Braids: The Beginning

By Yashodhara Singh

Braids is a novel, somewhere between fictional romance, and a tale untold. A book dedicated to old-fashioned romance of yesteryears in todays day and age, was a challenge in itself. The completion of this book has been a journey; an endeavour to show how people can control their actions, even if the situation is beyond their reach.

It is my hope that you, dear Reader, experience the book as you read it. As a fellow human who feels, thinks, believes, hopes. I believe everything begins and ends with the mind. Once it reaches the heart, it just stays. Hope Braids touches a chord with you too; for, to reach you, this is the only path I can pave. Enjoy what you hold. Enjoy what you have.

Love,


Yashodhara Singh.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Dec 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781482842869

Yashodhara Singh

A mother of two children-VIkramaditya and Vasundhara, I aspire to weave yarns with golden threads that have an impact on every reader. A daughter to a pair of creative geniuses- Wg.Cdr.DD Poddar and Mita Poddar, I write what I love reading.

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Copyright © 2015 by Yashodhara Singh.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Partridge India

000 800 10062 62

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Main Characters

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Glossary of Traditional Terms

Glimpses Of Rajasthan

Yaasna Silver Fusion Jewellery

For Raja… my soulmate, my companion, my everything!

Acknowledgements

This book could not have been realized without the constant guidance and support of my mother, Mrs. Mita Poddar. Her faith in Braids is a challenge I strive to live up to. Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging me and for the perennial supply of love and ginger tea!

My father (Wg. Cdr.DD Poddar), my brother (Lt.Cdr.Debashish Poddar). I cannot hold you, but I feel guided and blessed. Thank you for being the happiness in my heart because the memories you have left, curb each tear of mine.

My children, Vikramaditya and Vasundhara; Thank you for being proud of me, your mother, so adorably! May you be blessed with the gift of unconditional love when you grow up! For now, stay safe. Stay happy.

Mrs. Rekha Singh (wife of Retd. Col. R.D.Singh), a Rajputni herself, has generously painted the cover of Braids. When I explained what I wanted her to portray through her art, I had not expected to see the beauty she captured on paper. Thank you for helping me realize my dream through your art.

Navtej Singh, an ace photographer, a wonderful person and my brother from another mother. Thank you for lending me your pictures of Rajasthan. Despite your busy schedule, guiding me time and again, shows how much you wanted me to succeed.

Aparna and Navin Bhargava of Yaasna Fusion Jewellery-thank you for letting me use your amazing work of art on silver for Braids. Your designs are not just a class apart, they are a pleasure to own and flaunt!

A big thank you to Mr. Salil Dutt, my maternal uncle, for removing my writer’s block. You have been the catalyst in the completion of this book. The enthusiasm with which you toured with us through Ajmer and Pushkar, were the last thread in my tapestry.

Thank you to Ranjit Bhuyan, owner and photographer of Om Studio and his team of thorough professionals, for converting all the pictures into collages, not to mention the author picture and cover painting as well.

Thank you to my team at Partridge India, especially Franco Martinez. You have been an angel in disguise and I do hope we get a chance to work again in the near future. I would also like to thank Ms. Swati and Mr. Kamlesh of SBI Agra (India) and Mr. Suresh of SBI New York.

Saving the best for the last, I would like to thank my soul mate and my constant companion, Raja. You are all my reasons to be. You gave me the confidence to stand on my own. Standing in the shadows, I know you watch over me. I stand alone but am never lonely. Forever!

Main Characters

• SUHANI: Daughter of the tribal leader of the Banjaras (nomads) Chaudhary Swarn Singh

• ARJUN PRATAP: Photographer based in New Delhi

• ROSHNI: Suhani’s youngest sister

• VARSHA: The second youngest daughter of Chaudhary Swarn Singh

• DHANUSH: Son of the tribal leader of the Raikas, Chaudhary Roop Chand

• TARA: Intimate friend of Dhanush

• AKASH: Dhanush’s paternal cousin

• BINDIYA: Suhani’s childhood friend

• RAMONA RAI: Owner of the ‘Dare to Dream’ Gallery in Delhi

• SANGHARSH ANAND: Arjun’s best friend ; owner of Anand Creations

• NALINI: Arjun’s assistant photographer

• CHAUDHARY SWARN SINGH: Suhani’s father; leader of the Banjaras of Nagri

• CHAUDHARY ROOP CHAND: Dhanush’s father; leader of the Raikas of Bassi

• BHIMJI: Neeraj’s father; also known as Mausaji

• KIRAN CHAND: Chaudhary Roop Chand’s younger brother

• NEERAJ: Dhanush’s maternal cousin

• MR. GUHA: Manager of the ‘Dare to Dream’ Gallery

• MR. RAI: Ramona’s father who stays in Greenwich Village, London

• SHANTI: House-help at Arjun’s bachelor pad

• BHIKU: One of the tribal kids in Suhani’s gang at Nagri

• MIA: Ramona’s daughter

• BHURO: Member of the Raika tribe

• LAL SINGH: House help at Nalini’s parents’ Haveli in Jaipur

• BITTOO: Bassi village’s barber

• MANGLILAL: The shoemaker at the village of Bassi

• DIKSHA: The governess at Anand villa

• VANSH: Chote Thakur at Bassi; Bindiya and Akash’s son

• AJJU: Chote Sardar of Bassi; Suhani and Dhanush’s son

• RAJU: Cook at Anand Villa

• BANTU: Office assistant at Arjun’s gallery; Mr. Guha’s nephew

• TANISHA PATEL: New assistant to Arjun

• Ananya Mishra, Manger at Maya’s Reality

• MRS. PARKER: Housekeeper at the Rai Mansion

• REGINALD: The driver at the Rai Mansion

• MR. SHAW: Lawyer of the Rais

• Dr. Nath- Chairman of IIFJ

• GERARD COTTON: Childhood friend of Ramona

• WILBUR COTTON: Gerard’s father

• GERTRUDE COTTON: Gerard’s mother

• JAI: the night guard at the gallery

• LALIT: The Raika village’s tattoo artist

• BALBIR: Mr. Rai’s friend who owns Sanghvi clinic in Delhi

• DOCTOR BARNES- Rais family doctor

• VIREN: Tara’s son

• DR. D. SHEKHAWAT: the doctor at Pushkar

• MR. TANEJA: owner of the Aurora ad agency

• SARVANI- girl twin of the Anands

• NANDISH- boy twin of the Anands

• BHOLA- owner of the camel leather shoe shop at Pushkar’s ‘foreigner’s market’

Preface

It has been a sincere effort on my part, to bring to anyone who chooses to give this book a read, a feel of India. We Indians are a mix of colour, both in what we wear to how we look. The challenge lies in the vibrance, the audacious lifestyle we lead, albeit the circumstances. A storyteller hides in every nook and corner here. Some narrate legends, while others speak of the time that was.

Braids is a real story. Not in the sense of the people in it, but of what they feel, how they react. The customs and traditions are as real as the book you hold in your hand. A plethora of emotions are hidden here, that would make you want to be a part of a culture, a custom. We are all of this earth, you and I. We take nothing with us except our experiences. We leave nothing but memories. That is the truth.

The land of Rajasthan in India, is among the many states, that coyly boast of manipulating the mood of anyone who visits it! The old world charm, friendliness of the Rajasthanis is incomparable. The amount of cultural richness one sees travelling through the state is humbling, intoxicating. The land is harsh, as is the weather in extreme. And yet, the people there..they smile! That has intrigued me since the first time I visited, till off late.

The nomads of Rajasthan or the Banjaras, are anything but quiet! They guard their traditions, following them with an enviable ferocity. This enterprising lot attracts visitors to them, simply by lighting a bonfire near the Thar desert, with singing and dancing to add sparks to the flame! Haunting eyes full of kohl, a turban-clad camel herder with a smile to cover his wrinkles, the sheer sense of belonging, is what makes Rajasthan unique.

Suhani, is the daughter of the leader of such a Banjara tribe, that is settled in the village of Nagri. Dhanush, is the son of the leader of the Raika tribe, settled in Bassi. The Raika are essentially camel breeders, although they possess other livestock as well. These two are to be wed, as was pre-decided by their parents, considering a promise to ensure the welfare of both the tribes. What do they experience-duty or love?

Arjun Pratap, is a photographer in Delhi. He is engaged to the owner of the gallery where his pictures are displayed, Ms. Ramona Rai. Their relationship is based on a lucrative business venture, something not very foreign among many of us! There is a constant tug-of-war between the two in terms of ego..and yet, they are together. Duty or Love?

Arjun’s childhood friend, Sangharsh Anand is a fashion designer who owns Anand Creations. Arjun’s assistant, Nalini is to be betrothed as per her parents’ wishes. Sangharsh comes into her life and puzzles her. Duty or love?

This is the mind-boggling struggle a person goes through at a point in their life, where it is essential to know what you want, instead of what is wanted for you. Circumstantial? Sure! Regretting a decision is almost as bad as being blamed for another decision being taken, based on yours. There is no right way to do this. The main idea is to learn and move on. Dragging a wheel that is broken, is bound to cause the whole cart to collapse.

This is a love story where each character gets to choose between two of the most important essences of life. Love. Duty. The crucial junctures they find themselves in, complicates matters to the point where their actions are misunderstood and consequently misinterpreted. To untangle each knot, the barriers of communication needed to be moved, one by one…until all that is left is the clarity of who they are.

The characters in Braids will demonstrate how each human reaches a point after crossing several hurdles, each designed to test one’s character. What might seem as irrational to one, might be completely unavoidable to the other. Depends on the perspective, doesn’t it? After all, there are more lessons to be learnt than one, in a story you relate to!

There are no villains in Braids. Every character is an average person, who wants to do the right thing as per them. Sometimes, these decisions taken, tend to reflect them in a bad light. The basic nature of the person takes over then, making one pushy, while the other accommodating.

Humour is another aspect of life that can never be ignored. A smile to begin and end the day is naturally therapeutic. A dash of humour had to be added to Braids, to break the seriousness of life; for life, at times, oughtn’t to be taken seriously at all!

It is my belief that there is a lot of power in prayer, in love. Whatever has to happen, will happen. Whether it is a manifestation of your inner self, or the will of God; at the end, what we receive is what we have worked towards, what is fated. The eventuality of love is not marriage, it is companionship. That is what I have learnt when I finished writing Braids.

There used to be a time, when romance meant emotional attachment between a man and a woman. When love began and ended in the mind. When, a gift meant sweet words, understanding, giving importance to the partner. When, time was appreciated more in quality than quantity. When a woman walked a step behind, to trust the man enough to lead them both. Those days are long gone. Yet, a few of us hold the torch, hoping a trend is set. A new trend of old-fashioned romance.

I hope you enjoy reading Braids as much as I have enjoyed writing it. It has been an experience of a lifetime to live the lives of these characters. Emoting with them at every page has breathed life into them in my mind. If you find a bit of yourself in one or more of them, do not be alarmed. After all, you and I are the same at the end of the day, isn’t it?!

Chapter 1

Stop fussing! You look good. Now let’s leave before it’s too late Arjun snapped at Ramona, who, as usual got her entire outfit together but fumbled between her varied selection of bags and shoes. Arjun, we’ve known each other for five years now, don’t we? I expect you to realize how important it is for me never to repeat my outfit and overall look!

All this takes time. You men just throw in some things together and it becomes a fashion statement she paused, looking at her fiancé, dapper in a plain white shirt with a blue collar, matching midnight blue trousers. Just like Arjun was-cool, calm, collected.

Alright, five more minutes Ramona, and then we really need to leave. The gallery owner and photographer of the displayed pictures need to be there before the guests arrive, don’t you think?! Arjun added, pouring himself a small Scotch, expecting his five minutes to roll over to ten.

It’s not like we’re doing this for the first time. Since we’ve been engaged though, you’ve changed. You don’t talk to me the way you used to. You don’t even look at me at times. It’s like we’re an old, drab, married couple she said, fitting her turquoise bracelet with matching earrings, hurriedly.

She spun around to show her final look and almost collided into Arjun, who put his hand on her shoulder. Look babe, I’ve been bogged down with so much work off late that I never realized I was ignoring you! Tell you what. I’m going to take you on one of those romantic holidays we used to go to, to a faraway resort as soon as this show is over. Deal? Arjun said, as he looked deep into Ramona’s light brown eyes.

Not possible and you know that she replied, walking towards the main door in her stilettos. I’ll be busy with the media and press after this event; and you with another theme, another shoot. Let’s just go to the gallery and shelf the idea for now Arjun locked the main door and walked quietly to the car. He was just about to sit behind the wheel when he heard Ramona clear her throat.

Ahem! Aren’t you forgetting something? she said sarcastically. He sheepishly walked to her side and opened the door for her. Remember Arjun, behind closed doors you may be the boss, but to the outside world, I am! He smiled, his half, ‘go to hell’ smile and sped off with her to the gallery.

The ‘Dare to dream’ gallery was bang in the middle of the hottest spot in Delhi. Flanked on one side by embassies and consulates; on the other side by lush greenery, it was the ideal setting for eccentric bohemians with bags of money, to walk in, waltz around the numerous rows of the gallery; a dream that Ramona’s father made especially for her, in lieu of her shifting permanently from London to India.

The valet took the wheel as soon as the couple stepped out. The gallery looked fabulous in all its regalia. The fancy décor was accentuated by the artificial lighting. Waiters buzzing around with champagne, delicious edibles were lined up, awaiting instructions from Ms. Ramona Rai.

Well everyone, I assume you all know what needs to be done to get the evening running smoothly. There are some important guests who will be marked out for you. Make sure they have enough to eat and drink. Be light on your feet and quick in the mind. Let’s get the show on the road! she said in her usual flair, locking her arm around Arjun’s extended elbow.

Appearances are very important, honey. I can see that. Who would believe we were in an argument a short while ago! Don’t be silly, Arjun. I was just voicing what I felt. You may be the artist. I’ll be the entrepreneur. We’ll get along just fine. Trust me, ours is a lucrative partnership that will benefit both of us, don’t you agree?

Whatever you say, my dear Arjun said, kissing her on the cheek. In poured the guests, one after another. Between real camera flashes and fake smiles, the elites, the politicians, the who’s who, were all there. Their expensive, custom-tailored outfits spoke volumes about their capacity to splurge on being noticed, thereby acknowledging the basic need of every human being.

Arjun was standing in the corner, watching his pictures on display. He liked to watch them while they were still inside his camera. The moment they came out, they weren’t his anymore. It’s like they belonged to someone else. Who cares? I’m one of the few who enjoys what I do, he thought to himself, shrugging his shoulders.

There you are! I’ve looked all over for you. Your tyrant fiancé has been bulldozing her way through almost all the guests! Sangharsh was a sight for sore eyes, as usual for Arjun. They had grown up together and were as close as siblings. They had no one else to call their own, as they were both orphans raised in foster homes. Luckily for them, their foster parents became close friends which in turn helped them grow close together.

Slowly, Arjun drifted towards photography; while Sangharsh became one of Delhi’s top fashion designers. Both were masters in their own fields and had almost everything in common, except for one thing. Ramona. She was like a thorn that Sangharsh just couldn’t pull out of his friend!

Hey and hi! came Arjun’s usual reply, especially saved over the years for his childhood buddy. Hi and hey! came the prompt reply, seconds after they both embraced. Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in! Ramona was standing behind them with a couple of envelopes in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other.

Hey, Ramona! Great party, babe! Sangharsh said, taking the glass from her hand. Aww, you shouldn’t have. I could have asked a waiter to get me one! he added, loving the fashion diva’s cheeks smart at his audacity. Whatever! Arjun, these are a few invites we have to go to. They’re very important for the gallery. Keep them with you. I have a little more left to do and then we can call it a day. Until then, you can be with this, this..person! And by the way Sangharsh, it wasn’t a ‘party’, it was a ‘gala’. Also, don’t call me ‘babe’! she said, whirling around and clicking away to the far end of the corridor.

Why do you want to marry ‘that’ again? Sangharsh enquired, watching Ramona from a distance. Please, don’t start that now. I’m fed up already. She’s been taking my trip since before we even came here, saying I’ve changed. Then when I offered to take her out someplace quiet for a short holiday, she refused pointblank saying we’re both too busy for that!

Women should only be watched from a distance, admired even! Sangharsh whispered. The moment they come close, any sane man ought to flee! Arjun burst out laughing, enjoying his friend’s horrible take on the opposite sex.

Man, who would say you work with women 24/7! It’s because I work with them 24/7 that I’ve come to this conclusion he said, making Arjun laugh even harder..Ramona and Arjun left shortly thereafter, jointly pleased with the verbal ravings and visual boards next to almost each picture that said ‘Sold Out’!

Sangharsh texted Arjun that he would be out of town to gather ideas and material for his next ramp show for a couple of days. There was a silly joke added to the text that made Arjun laugh again. His fiancé was driving and she turned to look at him.

You’ve been in a good mood since Sangharsh walked through the gallery door. I wish you could be the same with me Arjun turned backed at her and said. It’s different with him. We grew up together. He knows me too well

Isn’t that weird, Arjun? Ramona said, parking the car and turning off the ignition. We’ve been together for five years and still know so little about each other? Come on, babe. Let’s not start now. We’ve had a long day. I need to go back to my pad as well

Sure. Go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow at the gallery Arjun watched as she walked away. This is how it was between them. They were the perfect couple to the outside world. Alone, they were lonely and had absolutely nothing in common.

Except ambition, of course. They both knew their relationship was mutually beneficial to them. Arjun reached his bachelor pad, a stone throw from Ramona’s apartment, in no time. He would always exhale when he entered his ‘safe zone’.

It was a place he had designed as per his own taste and loved every inch of it. It was far smaller than the spacious apartment Ramona lived in. The understanding was that he would sell this place off and shift to her apartment once they had tied the knot.

He had actually made a secret deal with Sangharsh, who had had his eye on the place since Arjun had shown it to him. The strange part was Ramona never even knew where he stayed! He wanted to show her once, but she was either too busy, or too tired.

Arjun changed into his shorts and t-shirt, put on some music, and got ready to unwind himself. He was fast asleep before he knew it. There was something tinkling. Silver anklets with tiny bells on them. There was dust, lots of it. He heard a language he could not understand.

There were women in colourful garments, chattering away near a bonfire. Stop, you thief! he heard a shriek. A little girl giggled as she ran as fast as her tiny legs could carry her, lifting her Ghaghra up to her knees, so as not to trip over.

Arjun was smiling as he dreamt all this. And suddenly, he sat upright on his bed. The ‘Land of the Kingdoms’! That’s where I’m going next-Rajasthan! Plus point. Sangharsh was leaving for the same place tomorrow. All he needed to do was hitch a ride with him; and of course, explain to Ramona, why he had to leave at such short notice.

The latter was a mine field as compared to the former, but he was sure that he and his partner in crime would come up with a fool proof plan before the early rays of dawn would hit the concrete rooftops of Delhi. Arjun quickly texted, Sangharsh, I’m coming with you. Pick me up on the way and keep a story ready for Ramona

He knocked off within minutes after sending the message. When he woke up in the morning, he read Sangharsh’s message in cryptic! It read-‘Finally on the road after so long; away from the fangs of the python; leave the story to me; I’m already on the way to rescue you’.

Arjun jumped as he saw the time on his watch at his bedside. Sangharsh would be there in less than an hour! He scurried around his pad and managed to get a bag together, another for his camera and equipment, yet another for his laptop and various gizmos.

The hour flew by, as did Arjun on hearing the chain of honks of his friend. Man, you don’t travel light, do you?! his friend remarked, poking him gently as he loaded the Scorpio. You should talk! What have you got in all these bags..your dowry?! The friendly banter continued all the way till the outskirts of the bustling city of Delhi.

Chapter 2

"Maasa! That hurt! Suhani cringed at the pain. The thorn that had planted itself on her foot was deeper than she thought. Hold still, Bawli! When will you start acting your age? I’ve told you a hundred times you’re growing up. You can’t play with small children anymore. Sit with us. Learn how to cook, clean, mend. Life will be easier for you, my daughter.." her mother said, concern seeping through every wrinkle on her sun-scorched skin.

"Let me guess what you’ll say next, Maasa! Oh, Suhani, you are to be Dhanush’s Beendni. At least act Banithani, so I can be proud of you for once!" Suhani recited her mother’s usual plea for sanity with great enthusiasm, her wheatish-complexion and black eyes dancing partially with humour, laced with defiance.

"Baasa is going to talk about your Byaav to the village elders. You are a sweet child Suhani, but there is a time and place for everything, don’t you see? You’re absolutely right, Maasa. There is a time and place for everything. I’ll think about what you said, only after you’ve given me my fill of Bati"

Mumbling, her mother walked to one corner to bring her beloved daughter some food, adding ghee to add to the taste of the meal. "Arre, Suniyo, has your chori returned?"came Baasa’s voice from outside the hut. Suhani’s mother quickly covered her face with her pink odhni, her partial ghoonghat allowing her to see her husband through it. Yes, Suhani is with me. She is eating. She hurt her foot while filling water from the well. I..

Be quiet! yelled Baasa. Stop covering for your beloved daughter! Do you know we have two more after her to marry off? Even they are aware of what is expected out of them and do as they are told. This one just makes you dance to her tune! Kiran Chand told me he saw Suhani chasing cattle while they were grazing, along with some children. Hurt herself getting water from the well..ha! Now give me some food and don’t utter another word Suhani had had enough.

The daily reprimand her father would dish out to all of them was becoming from bad to worse. Before her mother could stop her, she had already walked to her father, who was seated, ready to be served like a king. "Baasa, I have something to say" she said softly.

Then say it to your mother. She will tell me later "No, Baasa. I must tell you myself!" Her father glared at her, waiting for her to leave him alone. Being a Banjara tribe leader was difficult in these times. They were always in some kind of trouble or the other with the local authorities. Either their cattle were grazing in the wrong area; or there was a robbery in a place near where they had put their dera.

One would want to come back home to peace, not a problem-creator like his eldest, Suhani. Well? he enquired. "Baasa, I don’t want to marry Dhanush she said, watching her mother almost about to faint. I see. May I ask why?" Baasa asked with an air of eerie calm. "Because, well, I don’t think I‘ll make him a good lugai" she replied, fumbling for the right words that eluded her normally razor sharp tongue.

"And what am I supposed to do about it? Offer them one of your sisters as his Beendni, I suppose! No, I didn’t mean that! What do you mean, chori? Do you think I will be spared if I break this engagement? Chaudhary hukam will chew me up alive!"

Your mother will be a widow in front of your eyes. Oh! Woe on the day I held you in my arms as a small child! Little did I know you would be the cause for my very own, untimely death!Suhani didn’t know where to look. Her father was resorting to melodrama instead of listening to her reasoning. It left her enraged and she was about to have an outburst when she happened to look into his eyes. They were pleading for her to understand his position.

He was no one to challenge maryada laid down by their ancestors. She had no choice but to concede for the time being. What a hopeless situation she was put in by fate, she thought to herself. The elders wanted the two tribes of Chaudhary Swarn Singh and Chaudhary Roop Chand to unite. They were cattle and camel breeders respectively. They were also, as fate would have it, the fathers of Suhani and Dhanush.

She was retold the story over and over again about how the alliance took place. Since she could remember, she knew about how the earth was parched for months and their livestock was dwindling. One day, it was sworn in Ma Bhavani’s temple, that both the tribes would unite by marriage if only it would rain. A day later, like a cruel trick played by nature, it actually did! So, the elders carried out all the rasam and gave their word to each other that once both the children were of age, they were to be married.

The funny part was that Suhani and Dhanush had never once met; neither had the siblings or mothers. The word, so to speak, was exchanged between both the patriarchs. I hate my life. Specially this part. Why couldn’t I have been born a man? They have all the independence they need! Suhani spat out, after Baasa had stepped out to wash up for the night, of course.

"Hush, behan! Baasa’s ears are very sharp. You don’t want him to storm inside and start all over again, do you? Roshni whispered, sounding more like Suhani’s elder sister, than the youngest of the three siblings. Varsha, the sandwiched sibling, added Maasa and Baasa will never understand us. Maybe they can’t"

"Have you ever thought of that? Just resign to what has already been decided for you. It’s for the best. For you. For all of us. You heard what Baasa said. If he goes to break the rishta, his head will roll. Can you bear the burden of that guilt on your head? And for the sake of what, behan? You don’t even know what you want!"

"I know what I don’t want! I don’t want to marry Dhanush. I don’t want to end up like Maasa ! Married before she knew it. Became a mother when she had barely turned of age. Her life is to cook, clean, tend to us and brace herself when Baasa storms in and out! I might as well be a puppet than a human in that case!" Suhani muttered, her teeth grinding with anger. Maasa walked up to her, tears welling in her eyes. Suhani, is that what you think of me? Your mother? Am I a puppet? Is that how you see me?

Composing herself, Maasa spoke, "Let me tell you, we are true Banjaras. I come from the line of the Ghors. Our ancestors fought alongside the great King Prithviraj Chauhan. We have been following customs laid down by us, for us, since time immemorial. It takes courage to abide by them. Breaking them is foolhardy. You will become an outcaste, never to see any of us again."

Softening to her daughters, she continued, "On the other hand, if you marry Dhanush, we will welcome you with open arms, as will they. You will be his lugai, bear his children, and bond both the tribes together. You will receive the blessings of Ma Bhavani and bring prosperity to one and all. That is all I have to say"

Maasa finished just in time to pause, as Baasa entered to sleep in his raised corner of the biggest hut in the camp. Chaudhary Swarn Singh watched his eldest daughter carefully. She walked up to him and folded her hands.

"Forgive me, Baasa. I will do as I’m told. Maasa has explained everything to me. I will never let anything happen to you because you mean a lot to me."Baasa patted her on the head and declared it a day for his family.

The cock was to usher in the morning, earlier than usual the next day. They were all early risers and everyone was assigned their daily tasks. The sisters took turns with their daily chores. It was Suhani’s turn to collect firewood from the nearby jungle.

She disliked the thought and forced herself to close her eyes. She covered herself with her beautiful orange odhni and pulled her legs into her ghaghra. It was chilly at night and once sufficiently cozy, she slipped into deep slumber.

She saw fancy city shoes that men wore. The ones she saw in old newspapers that were used to cover important household goods or mithai from shops. "Thaaro naam kaain hein?" she asked, looking up.

No, she couldn’t see the face. The sun was blocking her view. The man seemed to have mumbled out a name. "Kaain?" She seemed to have asked him, But, she couldn’t understand what he was saying! She turned in her sleep and the injured foot woke her up with a start.

She looked around her. There was a snoring competition in the hut! Tired, wearied bodies were gearing up for a new day, which was not very far away. Go back to sleep, she told herself. It was just a dream. Some things are better off in the mind. Saheb is your dream, Dhanush..your reality. Deal with it.

Chapter 3

So, how come you decided to come along? All okay, I hope Sangharsh asked Arjun, genuinely concerned. Arjun was not the kind to take impulsive decisions. This move seemed completely out of character for him. I was looking for a theme for my next shoot and literally imagined the vibrance of Rajasthan

Then, I remembered you were driving down there, so thought I could hitch a ride And if I wasn’t going, you’d go with Ramona and make a holiday out of it, right?! No way, dude! She is the five-star sort. Dust and rough terrain would kill her.. and me in the bargain! Come to think of it, she’s never accompanied me to any of my locations!

Suddenly Arjun froze. Strangely, so did Sangharsh. He swerved the Scorpio on the side, and with his hands still on the wheel, they turned towards each other and yelled out one word-Ramona! You forgot to tell her you were leaving! You’re so dead, man!

You were supposed to come out with a plan and I was to rattle it out, remember? Instead of aimlessly arguing Arjun chose to call her instead.Hello? came a miffed voice over the phone. Hi, babe. It’s me. I’m so sorry, my mobile wasn’t charged so I couldn’t call you earlier. I’m driving towards.. Ramona curtly cut him short and saved him from babbling further.

Arjun, you better be driving towards the gallery. You have all the invites and we are due in the Japanese embassy in an hour. Please don’t tell me, you forgot! Arjun cursed under his breath. "Of course I haven’t, babe. It’s just that Sangharsh was driving to Rajasthan and it was a long drive, so he blackmailed me