The First Dance

The First Dance

Jaiwanta Bai entered the grand hall for the Royal Gala with her husband as they followed Sangram Singh into the venue. The annual ball was a charitable event which saw crème de la crème of the country come together for one night. It was a revival of the old-world charm, of royalty, dance, live music and it was a one-stop-shop for eager mothers. 

A smile came on her face as she recalled the way her husband and father in law had teased Pratap

“Our boy has come of age,” Udai Singh spoke feigning tears, “may you find a decent wife that can bear you for the rest of her life”

“Hear Hear” Sangram Singh added, “may she be as capable and efficient in dealing with you just like my daughter in law is in dealing with my son”

Ruqqaiya hugged Jaiwanta Bai warmly as the men walked away to get them drinks. Dressed in an emerald green cape gown, with her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail, emerald earrings, a diamond bracelet and a ring completed her look. She looked straight out of a photoshoot

“Did he tell you,” Ruqqaiya looked at the motherly figure with a big smile, “Pratap’s boss fired him so that he could work on his aviation project”

Hansabai hid her smile as her daughter stood in front of her grandfather after getting rid of the dance teacher. The patriarch looked at his child then at his grandchild,

“May I know the reason behind your actions,” he asked calmly.

“I do not like the waltz. It’s boring,” the young one’s reply made the old man laugh out loud. Her words and actions reminded him of the old days when his daughter did the exact same thing and had the exact same response.

“We will find you a new dance teacher,” he told his grandchild, “someone who will make you like the waltz.”

Hansabai took another picture of her daughter who sighed before reminding her of the time.

“But rarely do I get to see you all dressed up,” the mother confessed, “See even Panna Dai is excited to see you”

Ajabde smiled watching the chat going on between her mother and the caretaker. As per the norm, she had dressed up for the ball in a 1950s inspired vintage hostess one-shoulder -gown pant set. Her hair was left open in with the ends curled, she had styled it with a Daniel Wellington watch, her mother’s earrings and the pendant that she had been gifted by her Nanosa.

Inside the hall, all eyes were on the couple that had begun the dance- a waltz. The light was in the centre as the couple performed the dance gracefully and elegantly. Meera stood shocked and in denial watching the pair dance as the past had come to life for dancing in the centre were none other Hansabai Chauhan and her daughter

Ajabde giggled as her Nanosa twirled her around the big hall. Her mother was gone for a business trip so her Nanosa decided to do a pyjama day with the two of them. A day full of fun and activities that she loved the most- horse riding, eating at the Dhaba and ending it with a fun dance-off.

“Rajkumarisa,” her Nanosa bowed, “may I have this dance”

Ajabde giggled as her Nanosa decided to teach her the steps of the waltz. Later, Hansabai kissed her daughter on the forehead and was about to leave when she found her daughter’s eyes on her,

“All my first dances are going to be with you,” Ajabde smiled, “I don’t need a prince charming for I have you and Nanosa”

Jaiwanta Bai smiled as Pratap took her on the floor for the dance. As they glided on the dance floor, she knew eyes were on them for Pratap was one of the eligible bachelors present at the event but she knew her son’s eyes were fixed on one girl. She could not believe that in a short amount of time, Ajabde had understood her son’s silences and gestures. She had given him the chance to prove his worth and provided him with a path to follow his dreams.

“What are you thinking,” Pratap asked his mother as they took another twirl. The mother replied, “I remembered your promise”

Pratap held on to his Ranimaa while his father and grandfather looked on curiously. The Kunwar was learning the waltz and he wanted to show it off to one special person.

“But she is my partner,” his father told him with a straight face. “you find yourself a good princess, fall in love and marry her. As your wife, she will be your dance partner”

The young prince shook his head, “I don’t need a princess. All my dances are reserved for Ranimaa” he told them stubbornly.

Jaiwanta hugged her son tight, “Keep your promise to me. All of your first dances are going to be with your Ranimaa only”

Meera took deep breaths outside as everything came crashing down,

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest of honour, HRH Maharani Hansabai Chauhan and her daughter, HRH Rajkumari Ajabde Singh Chauhan

She needed to find him before he left them for his family. She needed to remind him of his promise

“Maasa” Heer’s voice made her turn around to look at her daughter. Heer hurried towards her mother concerned etched on her face.

“Why are you not at the dance?” Meera snapped at her daughter. “You are supposed to be on the dance floor,” she reminded her daughter.

“I was worried when I saw you leave,” Heer spoke softly, “besides I can join the dance later.”

Meera straightened herself, “we are going back inside,” she told her daughter. Inside the venue, all colour drained from her face as she took in the scene of the dance floor

Ajabde Chauhan was dancing with none other than Ramrakh Punwar.