Jija

Jija

Ajabde knew something was up as she had been asked to attend an event by none other than Kokia ji. The same woman who had threatened her with haldi milk and kadha if she even thought of stepping out for work had chosen her clothes for the event. All dressed up, she went to look for her mother but there was no one at home except her.

“Hukum, everyone has already left for their day. Ranisa, Jiwa baisa and Kokia ji have gone to the temple, Rao ji and Patta baba left for office early,” the butler informed her. 

He had been instructed to escort Ajabde to the press conference. All Kokia ji told was that it was either a press conference or inauguration but they needed to have Ajabde to attend as the people organising it were allies and needed to be kept close. She closed her eyes and requested the butler to play some music. The music she thought would divert her mind from all the thoughts swimming in it. It took them nearly an hour to reach the place but as soon as Ajabde saw it, all of her senses went into high-alert and a memory rushed forth,

An eight-year-old Ajabde looked at the vast land that was spread out in front of her. Sun rays made the earth shine like gold, the water sparkled like diamonds as the little one went around jumping and hoping in pure delight.

“This is my land, Maasa,” she asked her mother who nodded her head. 

Hansabai ji had decided to show Ajabde the land that she was gifted by the elders of the family. As per the Punwar family tradition, the eldest child was given a gift chosen by the elders of the family. This gift could be anything - clothes, jewellery, cars, cattle, or land. Her husband had received a watch and his father’s vintage car had been passed down to him. She had spoken with Kokoia ji who had selected the particular piece of land and did all the paperwork herself.

“Maasa I can do anything on this land,” the young one asked as they made their way back to the car. On seeing her mother nod her head in approval, the young one turned around to look at the land,

“I’m going to build a big park,” she thought and then shook her head, “no…I’ll build a school” and then looked at her mother, “I’m not sure what I want to build but I promise to build something that will make everyone come to our Bijolia.”

“Baisa hukum,” the butler called out to her as he stood with the door open. She got down and made her way on the paved pathway which led her directly to the huge brightly coloured tent in the centre. As she walked, memories of her every visit bombarded her, especially the one when she had decided on the thing she wanted to build on the place. Unfortunately, she had sold the land to protect the family business and maintain it’s status as a private family business. It was clear from the things that there was going to be a bhoomi pujan there,

“Sorry Maasa, I couldn’t keep my promise to you” Ajabde thought to herself when two tiny hands grabbed hers.

“Khetu….” She looked at the baby who was holding her hands and smiling. Ajabde picked her up and kissed her chubby cheeks when her eyes fell on the couple standing a few steps behind them. Khetu’s grandparents were all smiles as they greeted her and told her about the young one’s antics. 

“Kunwar Pratap taught her your name,” the old lady gushed as she rubbed her hands over the little one’s head who was focused on Ajabde’s pendant. “He gifted her beautiful woodwork with all these feathers”

“Dreamcatcher” Ajabde whispered to which the old lady nodded her head.

 As they arrived at the tent, Ajabde had the second shock of her life seeing all of the business associates in presence. Ajabde handed Khetu back to her grandmother and greeted the guests and caught Jalal who was about to sneak away.

“What is going on here, Jalal?” she asked him confused. He shook his head and then pointed her towards the huge screen that had started, and Heer’s voice rang out,

“This piece of land holds within it dreams and promises of a young girl who has devoted herself to making Bijolia the best place in the region. Her hard work, determination and fierceness have shown people around the globe that girls can do and achieve all of their dreams. All they need is support. 

Today, we invite you all to join us as we take the steps towards fulfilling the dream of the girl who has till now turned all of our dreams to reality.

This one is for you, Ajabde Jija.”

Ajabde stood still as the projector brought to life the 3D image of her dream, “Bijolia Kala Kendra.” One of its kind institute where young ones would learn all forms of art, theatre, dance, music, and handicrafts as they grow and the students will represent Bijolia in the competitions. The campus would hold in it both open and closed auditoriums, huge open garden spaces where yoga classes would be held mornings and evenings. Just like the Bijolia market place had turned into a hub of entertainment and family time out for fun and relaxation. The Kala Kendra would be the centre of learning art forms that have been passed down from generation. Ajabde’s eyes welled up with tears as the names of the Board members appeared Head of Dance & Theatre: Mrs Heer Punwar Solankhini.

“Ajabde” Kokoia ji placed her hand on the young woman’s shoulder, “perform the bhoomi pujan.”

Ajabde turned to see the priest making the preparations but her eyes were fixed on the people who stood patiently for her. Patta, Heer, Jagmal, Maan, Chand, Shakti, and Jiwa all stood on one side while on the other was her mother, Raoji, Ranimaa, Sajjabai ji and their better halves. Standing a little behind was Jalal, Champak Lal, and Pratap holding a very happy Khetu.

Everyone had come to witness her dream come to life..

The puja took an hour and was followed by a meal served by the children. As Ajabde sat down to have her food, she found herself surrounded by her siblings who all sat in a circle,

“As per the tradition, you have to eat using only one hand,” Kokoia ji told them making the elders smile.  

“How can one eat using only one hand?” Jalal asked to which Hansabai pointed out- Chand picked the laddoo from her plate, held it out to Ajabde who bowed and took a bite of it and then offered laddoo from her’s to Heer and in a cyclical manner the siblings fed each other.

Hansabai quickly wiped off her tear, seeing her children laugh together and her heart swelled with love and pride as she saw the young ones come together to fulfil the dream of their Jija.