A Trial Run

A Trial Run

Shakti sat in his cabin wondering about Heer’s and Dadabhai’s lunch meeting. His Dadabhai had promised his mother that he would talk sense to both of them. As per his promise, he was meeting with Heer for brunch that day.

“What about me?” he thought, “I’m a big part in this equation.” Another thought floated in his mind, “what if she says no?”

YumYum Cha-Saket

“I understand that you both started on the wrong footing but maybe you can give each other another chance” Pratap told the girl who patted her mouth with the napkin in a graceful manner.

Pratap had invited Heer for a heart to heart over lunch at her choice of restaurant. Heer had been hesitant so he had offered her to meet on her terms and place of choice. Her terms were simple: No parents/elders, No Shakti, brunch and Chinese cuisine.

“Does he want it?” she asked, “I mean last time I thought he did but turned out he was not ready. I do not want to go through it again.”

Pratap nodded his head, “all I’m saying is to take a trial run. Get to know each other, see if you find yourself compatible with him, think of it as a trial of a dress- check out its silhouette, whether it compliments you, the fabric, fitting, colour etc. If in the end, you are confused then take a step back but if you think it is a good fit then go ahead.”

“Alright, I will think about it,” she told Pratap with a smile. “Thank you for lunch.”

Pratap signalled the server for cheque, “I’ll drop you at your office.”

Solankhini Niwas

Sajjabai served tea to her guest who happened to be Pratap’s mother and her sister, Jaiwanta Bai Sisodia. Jaiwanta Bai wife of industrialist Udai Singh Sisodia was descendant of a royal household and it was because of her that both her husband and son were part of the royalty. 

The Sisodia’s were originally from Surajgarh but currently, they were living in the city because of work as well as social commitments.

“Bhaisahab was the guest of honour at the inaugural function,” Sajjabai asked excitedly as her sister nodded in agreement.

“It was a good opportunity to go home and check on things,” Jaiwanta Bai spoke up, “the renovations are about to be finished within 10-15 days and then we can finally move back home.”

“Jija, won’t you miss the city?” Sajjabai asked curious as  Jaiwanta Bai kept the teacup down and smiled,

“We moved to the city to provide for Pratap. Now, he’s grown up and taking care of business both of us can go back home and take care of our responsibilities there. Besides, I always think of my time in the city as a trial run. It lasted long but it is time to return home.”

“Badimaa” Shakti ran inside forgetting all of his grooming lessons as he hugged the lady tightly. “I missed you so much,” he told her as she patted his head lovingly.

“Shakti Singh have you forgotten your manners,” his mother reminded him, “greet her properly.”

Shakti touched Jaiwanta’s feet and greeted her as Sajjabai looked on sternly. Jaiwanta knew the reason behind Sajja’s stern actions after all unlike her father who had continued to love and support his child after marriage to a non-royal. Sajja’s family had forsaken her completely. She had opted for a love marriage instead of an arranged alliance with someone of her stature and so, her parents had broken all ties with her. When they had received news of Shakti’s birth, they sent their congratulations with a monetary gift. Sajja had vowed to raise her son properly as a gentleman and a member of the royal family. Jaiwanta also knew the reason behind Heer and Shakti’s alliance was the fact that Punwars though lower in ranks but were still royals. Punwars at one point in the history of Rajputana were custodians of princely states under Mewar and had served the rulers of Mewar. Sajjabai hoped that an alliance with Punwars would get Shakti his proper dues as a member of the royal family.

Jaiwanta Bai was well-aware of her sister’s desires. She understood the reasons behind Sajja’s chase after the titles but she also knew that pushing an alliance on Shakti would only push him away from her. Shakti had been made to follow all the rules, protocols of a royal family. From grooming lessons to rituals, family trees to attending all events with his Dadabhai Pratap, the poor child had been forced under his mother’s stern gaze to grow up as a royal. Jaiwanta still remembered the day when an eight-year-old Shakti after being had cried in her arms,

Nanosa does not love us yet Maasa is always singing his praises. I don’t want to be a royal-like him. I’m happy to be like my Papa. I promise you Badimaa when I grow up I will live life my way”

“Dadabhai met with Heer,” Shakti told her as Sajja busied herself with Pratap. Shakti looked at her with a smile that did not reach his eyes, “apparently, he asked her to give me another chance I think”

“Is that what you want- a second chance?” Jaiwanta asked him curious to know more about her nephew’s feelings.

“I don’t know, Badima” he picked up a cookie from the table, “I mean the whole thing was an arrangement- like a deal and I went with it to please Maasa.”

“What if I told you that you do not need to please her?” she responded, “Shakti I want you to be yourself not the man Sajja forces you to become”

Shakti stared at the cookie, “she’ll be upset with me.” Jaiwanta knew the burden Shakti carried on his shoulders,

“For the next whole month, Shakti Singh you will live the way you want to and not the way others want you to live. Think of it as a trial run of living as per your wishes. Meet Heer as your authentic self and then at the end of the month, if you like her and are happy from within then we will go ahead with the relationship and that is your Badimaa’s promise.”