by Ranjit Desai
‘The idol? I hope it …’
‘Don’t worry, Maharaj, the idol is safe. A stable nearby, however, got burnt, killing a few horses and the elephant which used to carry the idol.’
‘Oh, no!’
Raje sat down dejectedly. He said, ‘Well, we are lucky the idol is unharmed. We will have the temple rebuilt soon.’ There was a new energy in Raje’s voice, taking Moropant and others by surprise.
‘Annaji, we are surely getting old now. You remember, we fought our first battle when it was a new moon day. We did not care for the good or bad omens. A simple thing like a lightning falling on the temple scares us today. We must celebrate our victories and not get worried by such acts of nature.’
Everyone smiled, seeing Raje back to his old self.
‘Come on, Annaji. Let us go the office. We need to discuss quite a few things before I leave for Satara.’
‘What is the need for you to go to Satara?’ Annaji asked.
‘We must all be out on campaigns. We must secure Kolhapur, Panhala, Satara and Parli before we go. Also, the Janjira campaign is an important one. I feel Satara would be a good place to monitor the same from.’
The task at hand energized each of those present and they all faced their tasks with new enthusiasm.
#
Raje was getting ready for the Satara campaign when Soyarabai asked him ‘When will you return?’
‘By mid-summer.’
Rajaram came in and said, ‘Dada Maharaj has sent his regards.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. He said, “Give my regards to Aba saheb.” I asked him to come but he was scared. He said, “Aba saheb may get angry.” That is why I came alone to see you off.’
Raje’s happiness was evident on his face. He said, ‘Bal Raje, only elders who are immature need others to prostrate before them.’
Poor Rajaram did not understand anything and nodded his head.
Taking leave of the queens, Raje stepped out of his quarters. As the bugles announced the departure of the army, Raje rapidly descended from the fort.
#
After he left, Sambhaji stepped into Raje’s room to find Manohari working there. She was busy cleaning the room. Seeing a spittoon below the bed, he asked, ‘Why is this here?’
‘He is not well these days. He had been coughing regularly.’
‘He does not take care of his health, you know.’
Manohari was surprised at Sambhaji’s criticism.
Sensing her reaction, he said, ‘I don’t mean to criticize him. It is just that he is not bothered about his own health while he is busy looking after the kingdom.’
Seeing Putlabai enter, Sambhaji bent low in mujra.
She said, ‘Everyone is waiting in the office.’
Sambhaji said, ‘I thought I could speak to someone but they are all busy—no one wants me.’
Tears welled up in Putlabai’s eyes. She said, ‘Don’t speak like that ever again!’
Sambhaji was about to say something when she said, ‘Now you carry on. They are waiting for you.’
In the office, Moropant, Anandrao, Balaji, Raghunathpant and some others had gathered. Sambhaji was surprised to see Soyarabai present. The sardars saluted Sambhaji when he entered.
Soyarabai said, smiling, ‘Come in, Yuvraj. We all are waiting for you. You must be surprised to see me here.’
‘Not exactly, Aai saheb.’
‘I am not here because I like it. But I was told you don’t step out of your quarters and there are things pending to be discussed.’
‘Please tell me what they are.’
‘I don’t know whether to tell you or not.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘If something happens to you on your campaign, I will be held responsible.’
‘That is why I am staying here.’
‘Staying here does not change one’s character. Can you tell me why the maids who had been appointed to look after the Jagdishwar temple have left?’
Sambhaji was stunned by the insults. The others stood mutely, their heads bowed. No one had liked the way Soyarabai had spoken but they did not dare to oppose her. On the other hand, Soyarabai seemed to be enjoying taunting Sambhaji.
However, she was stunned the next moment when Sambhaji said, ‘Aai saheb, there seems to be a misunderstanding. The maids you are referring to did not leave because of me but because of Annaji.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘They were not given their dues; and hence, they left. You may ask Moropant or Annaji if you wish.’ And then Sambhaji continued, his voice steady, ‘And allow me to remind you, this is the state office. I am the prince and Aba saheb himself has entrusted me with the administrative matters of the state. I will not tolerate being insulted here.’
‘Yuvraj!’ Moropant shouted.
‘Hold your tongue,’ Sambhaji said, pointing a finger at him. ‘As far as the maids are concerned, ask them to come back. I did not appoint them—it was Aba saheb who did.’
‘Yuvraj!’ Soyarabai tried, infuriated at the way Sambhaji had taken charge.
‘Aai saheb, it is better that you leave without further ado. If Aba saheb comes to know of what happened here in his absence, I am sure he would not be happy.’
Soyarabai had no choice but to leave mutely.
#
Moropant left for a campaign to Akola while Sambhaji stayed back at the fort. One afternoon, he was leaving for darshan when Yesu said, ‘Come back soon. The elder Rani saheb is leaving now.’
‘Where is she going?’
‘Satara. Don’t you know? Aba saheb is not well.’
‘I wish I had been told about it—not because I am the Yuvraj but his son,’ Sambhaji said, feeling dejected.
He went to Soyarabai’s chambers, and as he entered, she taunted, ‘Oh, it seems the Yuvraj from the administration has had the time to come to my room.’
Ignoring her comment, Sambhaji asked, ‘Is Aba saheb’s health really bad?’
‘Yes.’
‘Shall I come along with you?’
‘Only I have been asked to come.’
‘I see!’ Sambhaji said, and not knowing what else to say, he left the room.
That afternoon, he met the poet Kalash, who said, ‘Don’t worry. I know Raje’s condition is difficult but he will survive. These are tough times and you need to be strong. The horoscope shows that he will be well soon.’
Sambhaji was hurt despite hearing good news. That evening he met Putlabai and said, ‘I have to read horoscopes to know my father’s condition now. No one seems worried about what I feel. I am being treated worse than the ordinary servant here.’
Putlabai wiped her tears saying, ‘I too am staying back here at the fort. Do you realize how I feel?’
Sambhaji felt guilty for thinking of only himself. He said, sitting close to Putlabai, ‘I apologize, Aai saheb. Please don’t cry! I am sure Aba saheb will get well soon.’
Putla had found someone to talk to after a long time. She was able to express her emotions, and the tears flowed freely.
#
The fort at Satara was waking up to a wintry morning, and was enveloped in fog. As the sun rose, the fog slowly dissipated. Despite the morning activities, the fort was silent as no one dared to disturb Raje. Annaji and Yesaji were at the fort. Seeing Hambirrao climb up the steps to the office, they got up. He asked, ‘How is Raje? Could he sleep last night?’
‘Shivram Vaidya has given him some medicine. He is a little better now.’
‘It has been eight days since he has eaten anything. We have tried everything,’ Yesaji said. At that moment they saw Shivram Vaidya arriving. They enquired about Raje’s health as he reached the office.
The old man, wiped the back of his palm across his luxuriant white whiskers and said, ‘He has been better this morning but I need to observe for a few days more. I cannot say anything right now.’
That afternoon, Annaji went to meet Raje. Hearing his footsteps, Raje opened his ey
es and raised his hand briefly to call him near. Annaji stepped forward, sitting next to him near the floor. Raje said, his voice barely audible, ‘Bring Yuvraj here.’
‘What is the hurry?’ Annaji said, looking at Soyarabai. ‘We will call him when you are better.’
Raje smiled dejectedly and said, waving his hand a little, ‘Bring him. I want to see him. I know he is lonely, having been discarded by everyone. I cannot do that to him.’
‘Ji, Maharaj,’ Annaji nodded and left.
A messenger was dispatched to Raigad with an urgent message for Sambhaji.
#
That night, the cold was perceptible. Torches burnt at various places. Raje was sleeping soundly in his room when he woke up suddenly and said, ‘Is someone there?’
One of the sardars stepped forward.
‘Samarth is at the door. He has come to see me.’
The sardar was confused. He said, ‘I will call the Vaidya right away.’
‘No, not the Vaidya. I am fine now. Go to the door. Samarth is waiting there. Bring him here.’
The message was immediately conveyed to Annaji and Yesaji who were in the office. Annaji said, ‘Is he delirious? There has been no message from the guards.’
Just then, a guard came running and announced, ‘Swamiji is here!’
Annaji could not believe his ears. He looked up to see Kalyan Swami with a few of Samarth’s disciples walking towards the office. Everyone got up to receive Kalyan Swami.
The guard said, ‘I heard swamiji’s voice and opened the gates to find him standing there.’
‘I cannot believe it!’ Yesaji exclaimed.
‘Why are you surprised?’ Kalyan said. ‘If Samarth can know of Raje’s illness without being informed, won’t his disciple know of our arrival at the gate? Come on now! Let us not delay anymore. Please take us to Raje’s chamber.’
As they entered Raje’s room, Raje folded his hands on seeing Kalyan Swami, who raised his hands in blessing.
‘Samarth has sent his blessings to you. When you have your guru’s support, what harm can anyone else do?’
Raje’s tears flowed down to the pillow. Kalyan Swami rubbed holy ash on Raje’s forehead and gently caressed his hair.
Raje said, ‘Swami, it is the devotee who should visit the guru but here, the guru is sending his blessings! I am truly blessed. Annaji, there is nothing to worry about now. I am already feeling much better.’ Raje’s words made everyone breathe easy.
‘Bring me a little konji,’ Kalyan Swami said.
‘He vomits as soon as he eats anything.’
‘It won’t happen now. Please bring me what I have asked for,’ Kalyan Swami repeated.
Kalyan Swami gently served Raje the konji and to everybody’s surprise, he managed to drink the whole bowl. After a while, he was in a deep sleep. Everyone was convinced that Raje was truly on his way to recovery now.
#
The very next day Raje’s appetite had improved, and as the days passed, he started to feel better. The tension at the fort reduced considerably. One day, Sambhaji reached the fort. He seemed tired after his journey. As he reached Raje’s room, he hesitated to come in for a moment, realizing that Soyarabai and Annaji were inside. As he entered, he was shocked to see Raje, his cheeks sunk in, making his nose look sharper. He was propped up against a pillow and a shawl covered him till the neck.
As he saluted, Raje said, ‘It’s good to see you, Shambhu. You must be tired. Freshen up and we can then speak at leisure.’
As he left saluting once more, Raje said, ‘Annaji, he may be reckless but he loves me. He does seem to realize his mistake.’
‘What is the point in the arrow realizing its mistake after it has left the bowstring?’ commented Soyarabai.
‘Rani saheb, everyone errs but that does not mean we disown them.’
‘But what I mean is …’
‘Leave that be for the moment, Rani saheb. I am tired and would like to rest for a while.’
Without waiting for her response, Raje closed his eyes, indicating that the others should leave.
Soon, Raje’s strength recovered. One afternoon, as he was taking a nap with the shades drawn, he noticed someone standing near his feet. Barely recognizing the silhouette, he exclaimed, ‘Shambhu, is that you?’
Sambhaji did not respond but, holding Raje’s feet, he began to cry. Soon, his tears drenched Raje’s feet.
‘Get up, Shambhu! What happened?’ When Sambhaji did not respond, Raje, caressing his head, said, ‘You seem to be really worried about me. I am well now and am not someone who gives up easily. Don’t worry.’
Sambhaji found his voice and said, ‘Am I such a sinner?’
‘Sinner? What are you blabbering about?’
‘Everyone believes that … that I have been trying to poison you!’
Raje was alert. He sensed that gossip has been making the rounds. He asked, ‘Who says so?’
‘There are murmurs all over the palace. I was asked not to meet you alone.’
Raje raised an eyebrow questioningly but he knew who might have said that. He said, ‘Raje, you are the future king and have a huge responsibility on your shoulders. You must be careful. When people start playing a game of chess in the house, one needs to be constantly alert.’
‘Aba saheb, I beg of you, please tell me that you don’t doubt me. If you have even an iota of doubt, I will fling myself from the precipice right away.’
Raje hugged Sambhaji tightly and said, his voice choking, ‘Shambhu, when will you understand that if you were dead, I would not want to live even for a day longer? What will I do if you are not here? Wipe those tears now. It does not become a Yuvraj to cry like this. Don’t worry; I will make enquiries.’
As Sambhaji stood up to leave, Raje said, ‘You know, Sambhaji, this illness has its own merits.’
Sambhaji stood without saying anything. Raje continued, ‘It brought you to me. I have had the pleasure of hugging you after a long time.’
‘Aba saheb!’
‘Will you bring me the small silver box on the table near the mirror?’
Sambhaji brought Raje the box and opening it, Raje took out a necklace of cowries and said, ‘Bend down.’
Sambhaji bent his neck. Raje put the necklace on him and said, ‘Let bygones be bygones. It is too torturous to relive the past. Now take care of this ornament, the representation of the Goddess Jagdamba, with all your heart. If you wish me to live long, you must take care of yourself.’
Sambhaji prostrated himself, putting his head on Raje’s feet.
#
The next afternoon, Sambhaji and Raje were chatting for a long time. As Sambhaji got up to leave, he found Soyarabai at the door. Saluting briefly to her, he stepped aside to let her in and left.
Soyarabai said, as she stepped in, ‘What was Yuvraj doing here at this hour of the day?’
‘Why? Is there a fixed time for him to meet me?’
‘No, that’s not what I meant. But was he not here yesterday too?’
‘You seem to know everything!’
Soyarabai was taken aback. She had not expected Raje to question her. She said, ‘How are you feeling now?’
‘I’m fine. Actually, it’s good that you are here—I wanted to share something with you.’
‘What is it?’
‘It might just be a rumour but I am told that someone is trying to poison me,’ Raje said, observing Soyarabai carefully. ‘And I am told that … it could be …’
‘Who? Tell me,’ Soyarabai said, eager to hear what Raje had heard.
‘Sambhaji might have had a hand in it.’
‘I was about to say that as well!’ Soyarabai said.
Raje’s tone changed suddenly. He said, ‘Rani saheb, what makes you believe that he might have? I know how you feel about him—he is only your stepson. You seem to forget that Sai died and gave you the chance to become the senior queen but don’t forget that he is the Yuvraj and you need to give him due respect. My spies bring me news f
rom inside an enemy camp. How much time does it take, do you think, to find out what is being discussed in the four walls of this palace?’
‘I don’t know why you suspect me!’ Soyarabai said, trying to defend herself, knowing well that she had been exposed.
‘Listen to me!’
‘If you don’t trust me, then I might as well not stay here,’ Soyarabai said, wiping her tears.
‘Stop your crocodile tears now. And yes, you may leave for Raigad tomorrow. I don’t need you here. Please leave!’
Soyarabai left the quarters but her body continued to shake for a long time.
#
More than a month had passed since his illness. Raje had recovered fully now and had started taking long walks at the fort. He had asked his sardars to assemble at the office to discuss campaigns which had been in abeyance for a while. Realizing that the people had been worried about his health, Raje dispatched letters to all the fort-keepers, informing them of his good health. Raje’s mind was now focused on the long-pending Janjira campaign. The spies were now regularly bringing him news.
One winter morning, a messenger arrived. Reading the letter, Raje smiled and immediately called for a meeting in the office. Sambhaji came in and was relieved to see Raje smiling.
Raje said, ‘Sambhaji, I have an important task for you.’
‘Please command me.’
‘You need to receive an important visitor. His name is Raghunathpant Hanumante.’
Sambhaji had never heard of this person and wondered who this man was and why he was important enough to warrant a personal reception.
Seeing his confusion, Raje said, ‘Raghunathpant’s father was an important officer in the elder Maharaj’s office. After Maharaj saheb passed away, Raghunathpant spent some time with Ekoji, my stepbrother, in Thanjavur.’
‘Has Kaka Maharaj sent a message?’ Sambhaji asked.
‘Your uncle is not that intimate with me, Yuvraj! Raghunathpant was not able to serve under Ekoji for long. When I found out that he was looking for a job, I immediately asked him to come here. After all, such men with experience will be an asset to us.’
Sambhaji descended from the fort the same day with a few horsemen to receive Raghunathpant. At the fort, Raje was waiting for the guest to arrive, much to the curiosity of others. On receiving the message that Sambhaji and Raghunathpant were expected to reach by evening, Raje asked for the durbar to be readied. Wearing his formal clothes, and at the sound of the ushers’ announcement, Raje stepped into the durbar, walking slowly to the throne. Everyone bent in mujra.