Chapter 3| Laurels of victory

"The camp is ready." Announced the soldier. 

Ajabde gave him a curt nod accompanied with a thank you and entered the tent, tying the white overall over her lehenga. 

"Has the battle begun?" asked Saubhagyavati in a soft voice. 

"There's still an hour left." She replied, "I'll meet daata and dadabhai, and be back." Saying this she left. 

Riding her horse, she reached her father's tent, where all the armaments were kept, a few miles away from the medical camp. 

As soon as Kunwar Pratap had seen the girl entering the pavilion, he hid himself behind the tent desperately hoping that he wouldn't be spotted. 

Taking a peek in the tent he gritted his teeth thinking, why is a girl here? Go...go...go soon before I get caught....

"You should be at the medical camp." Said her father, his brows pulled into a scowl. 

"Since maasa isn't here to do your tilak, I came here." She said without beating around the bush. 

Rao Ram Rakha smiled at his daughter and signaled his son Kunwar Dungar to stand by his side. 

Taking the dagger, she made a tiny incision on her thumb and pressed the blood against her father's forehead followed by her brother. 

"Jai Eklinji! Jai Mewar!" They hailed in unison. 

I wish you were here ranimaa to do my tilak, thought Kunwar Pratap with a forlorn sigh. But ranimaa I promise, you will do my vijay tilak today. 

Touching her father and brothers feet for blessings, Ajabde stepped out of the tent. Drops of blood dribbled from her thumb as she mounted her horse. 

Clandestinely hiding himself behind the tent, he watched Rao Ram Rakha Punwar and his son exit the tent. Touching the mud on the ground, he put it against his forehead swearing, "Come what may, today I shall hoist the flag of Mewar on Vijay Stambh." 

The few drops of blood which had mingled with the soil, adorned his forehead and had done his tilak. Little did he know that his tilak had been done by blood and soil. For his heart and mind were focused on the war and it's outcome. 

Entering the tent, he strapped the armour around his torso and covered his face with the helmet. Making his way boldly out as a soldier of Mewar, he joined Rao Ram Rakha's Bijolia army. 

Rao Ram Rakha Punwar stood in front of his brave soldiers and said aloud, "Today, our mission is to hoist the flag of Mewar on the Vijay Stambh. We shall fight until our last breath but not give up. JAI EKLINJI! JAI MEWAR!"

"JAI EKLINJI! JAI MEWAR!" Hailed the soldiers and made their way to their positions. 

Kunwar Dungar spotted the young lad who's face was covered with the helmet and approached him asking, "I haven't seen you before."

Kunwar Pratap froze for a moment or so and then replied, "I'm new and I want to do something for my motherland."

"You're still a kid." He reminded. "You're still too small to..."

"Age doesn't define one's bravery kunwarsa." Replied Kunwar Pratap immediately. "I maybe too young but...I sincerely do not think that valour is defined by size and age. Isn't it why your here despite your young age?"

Kunwar Dungar couldn't help but break into a convinced smile. It wasn't difficult for him to identify who the boy could be. "I'll be beside you at all times." He swore. 

"No." Replied Kunwar Pratap immediately. "Our focus should be on the flag."

"You will hoist it." Replied Kunwar Dungar and marched ahead. Mewar's future must be secure. He can't be harmed during the war. He thought and was about to approach his father but decided against it. He deserves experience in war. Let this not be your last Kunwar Pratap. He prayed silently. 

***

"WHAT!" gasped Maharani Jaivantabai in horror. "I should've known..." she whispered. 

"Now what jija?" asked Rani Dheerbai anxiously. "I think we should inform ranaji."

"No." Replied Maharani Jaivantabai firmly. "Now that Pratap has disobeyed, he himself must bear the consequences of his actions." 

"How can you be so cold jija?" asked Rani Dheerbai in tears. "What if something happens to him there!"

Maharani Jaivantabai gave the woman a sharp look replying, "He has to battle it out."

"But jija..." 

"Enough." Snapped Maharani Jaivantabai almost immediately. Hey Giridhar Gopal, please take care of my Pratap. 

Though her outer shell was as adamantine as a coconut, her heart was thudding for the life of her son. This would literally be her son's first war. After this one war, his fate would literally be decided. 

Either he would return in glory or come back as a mere soldier. It all now boiled down on Kunwar Pratap, his bravery and his love for his motherland. 

My darling son, I sincerely pray that you die without having done anything in the battlefield. Thought Rani Dheerbai walking into her room. "At least I...won't have to make my hands dirty by killing you."

***

"The death toll is increasing Ajabde!" Exclaimed Saubhgyavati. "And still there's no sign of Mewar's flag!"

The gravity of the situation had increased. It had been five hours since the war against the Afghan's had begun and the number of injured and diseased from Mewar's side was rapidly increasing. 

Stitching another wound with a thick needle and a black thread Ajabde glanced at her friend saying, "Come what may, we must save as many as possible!"

"Will we win?" asked Saubhagyavati. Her hands were cold with fright and her heart was thudding too loudly. 

"We will." Replied Ajabde. "Mewar's flag is in dadabhai's hands; he'll soon hoist it!" She continued despite her overwhelming fear. "Once he hoists the flag, Shams Khan and his army will run away."

Just then they heard a loud cry from the threshold of the tent. Turning around they saw an injured Mewari soldier. 

His arm was chopped clean and blood gushed out like a river from his severed limb and painfully dangling nerve endings. 

One look at him and both the girls gulped hard. Holding him by his shoulder they led him to the cot and doused him with an anesthetic. 

"Get me a cloth, warm water and a sterilised blade." Ordered Ajabde. 

"But you've never done this!" exclaimed Saubhgyavati in anguish as she ran around to bring the required items. 

"Bannisa, will you.... really....I mean...." fumbled one of the doctors. "Looking at the blood flow and the amount of blood loss...I think he'll die soon."

"You're a doctor," said Ajabde without glancing at the man. "And....as a physician it's best not to be pessimistic regarding someone's life." She continued, as she tied a tight cloth around the man's shoulder. 

Taking the blade from Saubhgyavati's hand she slowly began cutting the pendulous loose nerves. 

A bead of cold sweat trickled down her forehead as she tried to steady her hand as much as possible. If her hand quavered now, if her heart gave into disquietude the man before her would be incapacitated for life. 

Though she had learned the severing of nerves and stitching of major gashes, this would be her first practical experience on a human being and not on wild rabbits. 

"Pulse...check his pulse..." she muttered, severing another nerve. 

Her throat was parched and her brows pulled down to focus. Her forehead and neck were bathed in sweat and her overalls and hands were coloured red with blood. 

Saubhgyavati placed two fingers on his wrist and timed his pulse. Luckily it was still steady. Though the other doctors went about treating the others, they kept glancing towards the two girls who were desperately trying to save the man. 

With the last nerve cut, Ajabde took the cloth and wrapped it over whatever was left of his severed arm. 

She exhaled sharply in relief and sank, leaning against the cot. 

"You did it!" exclaimed Saubhgyavati putting an arm around her shoulder. 

Ajabde leaned her head on her friends head and sighed once more saying, "I was trembling Bhago...."

"Ajab... everything has its first time in life; fear is natural." Reassured her friend gently pulling her cheek. 

Ajabde smiled with a slight nod and hugged her friend without touching her bloodied hands on her friends clothes saying, "Bhago...you really can calm me down..."

"Don't worry Ajab..." mumbled her friend and gently rubbed her back. 

Ajabde had successfully completed her first biopsy. She could now learn further surgical procedures which were much more complexed than simple amputations. 

"I'll be in level two now." Chuckled Ajabde washing the blood from her hands. 

"Yes...yes..." chortled her friend. "Now you'll learn various types of surgeries."

Ajabde smiled gleefully and nodded her head vigorously. 

***

"WHY THE HELL DID YOU NOT INFORM ME!" Snapped an enraged Rao Ram Rakha Punwar. "Now what, if something happens to him!?"

"DAATA," shouted the boy back, "I'm eighteen and it's my first battle as well. Don't worry, nothing will happen to kunwarsa!"

Driving his sword through yet another Afghan, Rao Ram Rakha shouted above the din of the war cry and screaming, "BUT KUNWARSA DOESN'T MIND THE DAMN BORDERS OF MEWAR. YOU HAVE AT LEAST FOUGHT ON THE FRINGES. THE BOY HAS NO EXPERIENCE WHATSOEVER!"

Kunwar Dungar kicked the Afghan out of his way and twirled around, neatly slitting a man's throat. "DAATA, IF HE'S OUGHT TO BE KING...HE MUST LEARN."

"BUT YOU IDIOT! HE MUST BE ALIVE..." Shouted his father in irritation as he threw the heavy spear on his foe, pinning him firmly to the ground. Ranaji will have my head if anything happens to his son. He thought as he rushed towards Kunwar Pratap who was surrounded by a bunch of Afghan soldiers. 

Kunwar Pratap was busy fighting with the man in front of him. So much so, that he never realized that there was someone behind him, ready to strike him dead.

Raising his leg, Kunwar Pratap kicked his frontal opponent and slit his throat but the Afghan behind him raised his sword to stab the boy. At once Rao Ram Rakha flung his sword, killing the man behind the prince. 

Kunwar Pratap turned around and his eyes widened in bafflement. He hadn't expected anything like this to happen. Rao Ram Rakha rushed towards the boy and said, "This is a combat zone, here your enemy will volley you on all sides. Circumspection is key."

"Hukum." Nodded Kunwar Pratap keeping in mind the words of the leader of the troop. 

With that Rao Ram Rakha left to fight the other soldiers while Kunwar Pratap fought with even more vigour, getting closer and closer to the Vijay Stambh. 

The flag was safety tucked in his waistband as he fought, both attack and defense; whatever he had learned he used it all. 

Yet he knew that something was amiss. Maybe it was his fear, maybe it was the fact he was new to this or simply because it was his first time. 

"Dungar," said Rao Ram Rakha rushing towards his son, "be with Kunwar Pratap, he's nearing the Vijay Stambh."

"Ji daata." Nodded the eighteen year old and dashed towards the prince who was busy engaged in battle. 

"Kunwar Pratap," shouted Kunwar Dungar to the thirteen year old. "I'll pave a path for you, go ahead and hoist the flag. We don't have much time nor army."

Killing his opponent Kunwar Pratap made his way to the Stambh or, the tall tower. Flinging a rope upwards, he fastened it and began climbing up. 

Immediately a man located at the top of the tower, cut the rope. Losing his grip, Kunwar Pratap fell on his back groaning a little. 

"Are you alright?" asked Kunwar Dungar helping the prince up. 

"Yes," he grunted. "BEHIND YOU." 

Before Kunwar Pratap could even react, Kunwar Dungar had thrust his sword into the foe who had dared to attack him from behind. 

"You have to get up there." Said Kunwar Dungar holding the thirteen year old by his arms. "So, think of a plan and do it. Jai Mewar!"

"Jai Mewar!" hailed Kunwar Pratap and exhaled sharply wondering what to do. He no longer had the luxury of a rope and had to come up with something fast. 

Looking at the few soldiers around and the remaining rope he had left with him. He said aloud, "My fellow mates, we need to hoist the flag before sundown and I can't do this by myself. I need your help."

The soldiers gladly agreed and huddled closer. Kunwar Dungar fought his best to stop any Afghan going close to the human pyramid, the soldiers of Bijolia and the prince were making. 

Steadily, they linked arms and began climbing upwards. Kunwar Pratap slowly began ascending trying to be quick with the hope that no more Mewari's would die. 

Reaching the top, he balanced himself and flung the remaining rope on an upper pillar. Fastening it as tightly as he could, he lurched from the pyramid to the wall of the Stambh. 

His knee hit hard on the wall and it began to go numb. Scrambling with all his might, he pulled himself upwards trying to be as silent as possible with his moves. 

Rawat Chundawat who was busy fighting, raised his eyes towards the stambh to see if the flag had been hoisted but was horrified to see Kunwar Pratap climbing up the pillar. 

A sharp cut slit his arm bringing him back to the battlefield. Thrusting his sword into the belly of his enemy he looked at Kunwar Pratap once more and exclaimed aloud, "Hey Eklinji! I should've known that Baujiraj would be impulsive."

Pulling himself across the top most wall of the Stambh, Kunwar Pratap slowly moved across the internal staircase of the stambh. 

There were Afghan's bulwarked all over the stairs. Hiding behind a wall he gritted his teeth wondering what to do. 

The Bhils taught me to take the enemy by surprise. Hmm....got it! He thought and immediately removed his dagger and threw it far away creating a loud noise. 

"I think some damned Mewari is here. Let's kill him!" Said one of the soldiers rushing towards the direction of the sound. 

Stealthly slipping from behind them, Kunwar Pratap rushed upwards the spiral staircase and to the flag which fluttered above. 

Pulling it out, he hoisted the flag of Mewar and the loud sound of trumpet blast making the Afghan's scamper away in fright. 

The Afghan's who were inside the tower rushed towards Kunwar Pratap all at once. He was all alone without a weapon and without any sort of help. 

They swung their swords at him and Kunwar Pratap ducked his head immediately. Holding one of the Afghan's arm he tugged the sword out of his hand and slit the man's throar. 

Kunwar Pratap was afraid for the very first time in his life. His heart was thudding but, he knew that if he ran away today he would never be able to look at himself in the mirror. 

One day even you'll have to prove yourself Pratap. On that day there'll be no one to direct you or salvage you. At that point you may want to flee and will have the choice to do so. At that time, just remember who you are and fight. 

His ranimaa's words rang like an advice filling him with courage. Clenching tightly on his sword he jumped on the Afghan's and killed them 

Seeing the young boy's valour the remaining men fled from the tower leaving the Mewari's as winners.

"WE'VE WON! JAI EKLINJI! JAI MEWAR!" Roared the soldiers in delight. 

Kunwar Pratap rushed down from the tower and embraced Kunwar Dungar and Rao Ram Rakha Punwar who were glad that the boy had successfully turned the battle around completely. 

"You know," began Rao Ram Rakha, "we were actually outnumbered by the Afghan's; but...the moment you hoisted the flag, they ran away like frightened geese."

Kunwar Pratap smiled and touched the man's feet for blessings. Holding him by his shoulders Rao Ram Rakha looked at the cuts and wounds on Kunwar Pratap's arms and said, "These are your first jewels as a warrior. Today you've not only fought your first war but also have taken your first step towards the security, responsibility and future of Mewar."

"Raoji, kunwarsa if not for you'll... probably I'd not be able to accomplish this. You'll have...become like mentors to me." He smiled with tears in his eyes. 

"Don't say that," replied Kunwar Dungar, "just consider me as your dadabhai; that will be just fine."

Kunwar Pratap nodded and hugged him once more. Kunwar Dungar loved this thirteen year old Rajput who was sedate, valiant yet susceptible to the emotions of his comrades. 

"Let's go!" Said Rao Ram Rakha with a proud smile. 

Shams Khan had been captured and his army had fled as soon as the flag was hoisted. He had been badly defeated by the army of Mewar. 

Reluctantly he handed over the keys of the fort to Rana Udai Singh who glowered with pride and joy. Chittor, his home was finally his!

"Shams Khan, it's best if you are not seen in Mewar at all." Ordered the king. "Leave before I kill you."

"Of course," mumbled Shams Khan gulping the bitter bile of insult. He wondered who had hoisted the flag and had literally turned around the whole game which he had nearly won. "I want to know...who hoisted the flag."

Rao Ram Rakha Punwar and his son trudged ahead with Kunwar Pratap hidden behind them. 

Rana Udai Singh smiled and pointed at Rao Ram Rakha Punwar who immediately shook his head saying, "Ranaji, it isn't I, but your son and heir to the throne, Kunwar Pratap who hoisted the flag."

Rana Udai Singh was stunned. He had no idea that Kunwar Pratap too had taken part in this battle. He looked at his thirteen year old and wondered how to react. 

Rawat Chundawat immediately hugged the prince and filled with pride said, "Ranaji, I myself saw Baujiraj climb up the tall Vijay Stambh and hoist the flag."

Shams Khan stared at the young boy and growled under his breath. He was simply furious that his game came to an end because of a mere lad. 

"KUNWAR PRATAP KI JAI! KUNWAR PRATAP KI JAI!" Hailed all the soldiers and the chieftains. 

Never before had such a feat been performed by anyone at such a young age and with zero experience in war. 

"Wah!" taunted Shams Khan sizing the prince with his eyes. "Let me warn you...Rana Udai Singh, before looking at you or Mewar, your enemies shall look upon your son and aim to kill him."

"SHAMS KHAN." Roared Rawat Chundawat nearly pulling his blood stained sword from his scabbard. 

"No Rawatji!" exclaimed Kunwar Pratap stopping him immediately. "He has surrendered; and according to Rajput ethics any enemy who has relinquished in battle shall not be killed."

The moment he said that, the chieftains and soldiers once more erupted in praises of the young prince. He was not only a skilled warrior but also a teenager with a large heart. 

"As for my enemies," added Kunwar Pratap in a sharp voice, "I'll highly appreciate if they look at me before they look at my motherland." 

Rana Udai Singh's mouth fell open hearing his sons words; but the chieftains and soldiers burst out with another round of Kunwar Pratap ki jai! 

Shams Khan simply walked out languidly out of the fort swearing to kill the boy. 

"Let's get your wounds treated." Suggested Rawat Chundawat smiling at the prince. 

"I'll ask ranimaa to..."

"Come on," insisted Rao Ram Rakha, "after you finish a war, you must also learn how to sit with all the soldiers and chieftains and have your wounds stitched!"

Rana Udai Singh nodded with a smile and said, "Let's go."