Priorities

Priorities

“What about asking Ranaji for aid?” one of the village elders asked as an emergency meeting was called in to prepare for the upcoming battle with the Afghans. Shakta made a face as he knew reaching out to his father was not going to be helpful. The man’s priorities lay with his egoistic self and not the motherland.

“We do not have time for that,” Maharani Jaiwanta Bai spoke calmly, “our main concern right now should be evacuating the elderly, women and children to safety.”

“You are absolutely right, Maharanisa” a middle-aged man dressed in soldier attire bowed at her as Shakta stood up surprised. The man was none other than Hemant Solanki, Sajjabai Solanki’s elder brother and currently the head of Solanki clan.

“My men are preparing carts that will transport the villagers to safety,” he told them, “I received a message from Rao Ramrakh ji on my way, he will be here with Bijolia’s army shortly as well.”

The village elders seemed relieved on hearing the news, but they were still worried about Ranaji’s reaction. After elders left, Hemant Solanki looked at the ones left behind

“It appears that Ranaji is keen on waging the war against Marwar and he intends on having Kunwar Pratap lead the troops.”

“That would not be possible,” Pratap stood up, “my priority is protecting my motherland from foreign invaders like Shah. I do not have the time to engage in petty ego wars of Ranaji” he bowed his head and walked out to inspect the forces. 

They were moving out as soon as the villagers were evacuated. Shakta followed his brother as they went to the village centre were the elderly, women and children were bidding farewell to their loved ones.

“I don’t see bhabhisa,” Shakta looked at the crowd searching for the familiar face in vain. “Maybe we should…” he stopped as his eyes fell on a warrior standing beside Patta, face covered with only kohl-lined eyes visible, sword placed securely on the waistband, Ajabde Punwar looked every inch of the fighter known as Baijilal.

Ajabde could feel his eyes on her. She made sure to not see him or anyone with him for one simple reason- she could not be distracted. They were going to the battlefield and training had taught her to leave all emotions behind when going for war. A cool mind can come with strategies and plans easily compared to a highly charged up mind. Besides she had an important task ahead of her, “Patta I need you to escort the villagers.”

Her brother looked at her startled as he intended to join her and the others at the battlefield. Patta knew that his sister had insights that gave them an advantage over their enemies. Everyone in Bijolia teased and praised Ajabde baisa’s sixth sense that would always alert them of impending danger or threat. He nodded his reluctantly and walked away to join the escort team.

“Protect them with your life,” she looked at his back, “they are our priorities.”

The court in Chittor was stunned with Kunwar Pratap’s response to his father’s request. Udai Singh fumed as he re-read the message,

My priority at this moment requires me to stay back in this village and so I will not be returning to Chittor in the near future.

“We will go to the village,” Udai Singh ordered, “I want to personally judge this priority of Senapati Pratap.”

He walked out of the court fuming in anger at his son’s attitude. He expected this behaviour from Kunwar Shakta but for Pratap to refuse him was not acceptable. In order to win against Rao Maldev, he needed Pratap and his expertise.

“Hukum a message has arrived for you,” his guards stood with his head bowed holding a letter.

Udai Singh opened the message and his eyes widened upon reading the contents,

Khamma Gani Ranaji,

You must have received Kunwar Pratap’s response to your orders, and you must be planning to visit him to judge his priorities personally. I expect you to come prepared to participate in a battle against Mehmood Shah. I’m sure you remember him well, after all, you had handed over the keys of the fort to his ancestors without raising your sword.

Kunwar Pratap intends on fighting Shah and ending his terror reign on the villages of Mewar. And he will not be fighting alone, Kunwar Shakta and Baijilal Ajabde along with Rao Ramrakh, Rao Hemant Solanki are fighting against the Afghan troops. All of them have their priorities in order unlike you.

Consider this message as your official notification of the situation.

Regards

Maharani Jaiwanta Bai Sisodia