Unveiled

Unveiled

The venue was buzzing with excitement as guests had started to arrive for the highly anticipated book inauguration. The photographer was well-known for her depiction of the intricacies, and behind-the-scenes peek of the royal families. The latest book was another glimpse into the world of royalty but the person being covered was different than the rest of the people the author had covered till now.

“We’ll finally see the person known as Baijilal,” the people spoke amongst themselves excited to know more about the individual who had changed the tides of the business world with their mindful tactics and helped so many smaller and mid-size businesses grow.

Dheerbai had tagged along one of the guests and their seats were towards the back while the front area had been reserved for the guest of honour and VVIPs. She had kept her calm on seeing the Punwars, Solankhinis, Rathore and Sisodia heads in attendance. Her eyes widened as the author arrived, dressed in a matka silk double shaded saree, with her hair tied in a low bun wearing temple jewellery in silver Saubhagyawati looked elegant and graceful. She hugged Hansabai who kissed her forehead before she greeted the other guests. 

The MC took to the stage as they began with the event, Saubhagyawati joined them on-stage and took her place as snippets from the book made their appearance on the three projector screens placed over the room. The first image itself excited people as glimpses from all over the region - Surajgarh, Sajjangarh, Bijolia, Alwar, Kumbhalgarh and ended with Chittorgarh. Rao Ramrakh sat stoically on the outside but inside his emotions were haywire for he had an inkling about the identity of Baijilal.

With each passing minute, every word that came out from the author’s mouth Raoji’s doubt became more evident. Dheerbai made a face on seeing the excerpts from the book on-screen, but her nightmare came to life with the unveiling.

“It gives us immense honour to inform you that Baijilal has been chosen as the Rule-Breaker personality of the year by Forbes magazine and also has left her mark in the Top 30 under 30 list by Times. Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present you, Baijilal: the rule breaker.”

Eyes widened as the cover unveiled and the screen showed the person behind the title of Baijilal. Sitting on the floor dressed in jeans and a white striped shirt, her hair open with her elbow on her mother’s lap with her eyes twinkling and laughing, Ajabde Punwar looked radiant, happy and every bit of her mother’s daughter.

Rao Ramrakh accepted the award on behalf of his daughter who couldn’t make it for the function. He smiled and did the images all the while his conscious was making fun of him- it was ironical that the child he had despised, berated and refused to acknowledge was the one who had turned all dreams into reality. He had been addressed as her father but never had he taken on the role in his life. Even as they drove back, his eyes were on the image of the young responsible and successful woman, Ajabde had become without any help from him.

All the children including Shakti and Pratap looked confused on the pouring of bouquets and congratulatory notes at the residence. The children had decided to stay back while their parents attended the inauguration.

“Who are all these notes and flowers for?” Patta wondered when everyone’s phone pinged at the same time. Their eyes widened on seeing the image that was sent to them, Ajabde Punwar was on the cover of Forbes magazine, dressed in a striped pantsuit that fit her perfectly, her hair was tied back in a low ponytail, minimal accessories that included diamond studs and her watch. It was the lines that made them lose their senses

Fierce, determined and her eyes set  on the prize: "Baijilal" Ajabde Punwar is the Ruler Breaker Personality of the year