Anamika - Rebirth of the first wife

Chapter 30 - War (Part 1)

As soon as the guard informed that they are under attack, Ranasa was shocked but Yuvraj was only surprised. Ranasa dismissed the guard asking him to immediately call for the ministers and the commander-in-chief for the court on emergency. After he left, Ranasa looked at Yuvraj and asked, "What do we do now, Yuvraj?".  Although Ranasa has already faced battles, this is an unannounced and unprepared war. And moreover now when he was preparing to descend the throne and enjoy his oldage with his grandchildren, this kind of threat.

Yuvraj answered Ranasa, "Babasa, I did expect a war but didn't expect it to be too quick. When I prepared to catch that Meenavathi, I did expect that her husband will attack us but what is making me confused is that he don't have enough guts to declare a war on us, single-handedly and so quick. So I think there is some more allies". No sooner he said that, another guard came and informed them that the commander-in-chief is waiting to meet them immediately. Yuvraj gave permission and he came in.

"I thought of meeting you in the court, Commander", Yuvraj said. To which the commander replied,"When I already got inside the palace, then only a guard informed me of the emergency convening of the court. So I thought you got the information about the war through some of the spies. So I didn't want to waste time anymore to wait till the court. That's why I came Yuvraj and Ranasa". Yuvraj nodded at him and asked him to sit, then asked him to give a detailed information about the attack. Commander started saying,"Yuvraj, this is still an unannounced war. Why we got this information one day before they reach our boundary is because of our landscape. Since our kingdom is built in a way to be highly raised from the ground level and now the season is favouring us by delaying their journey, otherwise we wouldn't have gotten a whiff of this attack. And moreover, It's not just King Jaivardan (Meenavathi's husband) but also the Mughal Prince with the remaining ottoman soldiers after they got defeated by your friend, Malhar Rao Holkar. Simce they got to know that we helped them, now they came here to attack unannounced and catch us offguard."

Ranasa and Yuvraj nodded at his explanation and understood the gravity of the situation. Although Yuvraj had expected Jaivardan to attack them and changed his itinerary for war expedition to start with Jaivardan's kingdom, the alliance of the enemies was somewhat unprecedented. Commander continued further, "Since Yuvraj's expedition was nearing, we are all prepared so nothing to worry about that. Only thing is as soon as we depart, we will be able to contain them outside our boundary". Yuvraj sighed at that as he should leave immediately leaving Anamika and children. But then his position deems to have family as second priority and their subjects as first priority even above God. So he instructed the Commander that they will leave within two hours after the court and asked him to prepare the army. After some thought Yuvraj stopped the commander from leaving and said,"Commander, I do feel like there is something which we are missing here, as if we are distracted by this attack. Apart from one part of the army which was sent to Malhar Rao, only take half of the remaining army. If there is a sudden attack from other direction or rebels who want to use this situation then Ranasa might need the army here along with your Second-in-command. So let's have this as backup, also since they are defeated already, their numbers would have reduced along with many injuries. As far as I could guess, Malhar would also send back our army for our help if he knows about this attack. Anyways I will send him a letter explaining the situation."

Commander accepted Yuvraj's command and went away to look after the preparation. Ranasa and Yuvraj went to the court after Yuvraj sent the letter to Malhar. In the court they discussed about the responsibilities for the scholarly ministers in the absence of Yuvraj and in case the absence of Ranasa as well. Before the court ends, Yuvraj announced, "Any important decisions that needs his seal in the absence of himself and Ranasa, will be decided by choti Ranisa, Anamika". Since everyone knew that Badi Ranisa (Elder Queen)doesn't involve much in court matters and Choti Ranisa (Younger Queen) knows all about the state's current affairs, so no one questioned his decision.

After the court, Pratap went to get ready with his armour for war. Before going for a war, Women do the aarti for their husband, sons or brothers. So Pratap directly went to the birth chamber where Anamika is resided along with their children. By now, Anamika got to know from the maids that there is an emergency war and also expected that Yuvraj will come to meet her before leaving.

In this lifetime, there are many changes because of the non-existent marriage of Yuvraj and Saudamini. For example the gold mine and the emergency war. Previously, the gold mine was discovered around the same time as now but Saudamini's father fooled the village incharge in the name of in-laws of the Royal family and got all the gold for the forth coming years until their truth came out infront of the Royal family. As Anamika had predicted, this time it was informed immediately by the village in-charge as there is no middlemen involved. But the war is totally out of her knowledge as this was not part of Yuvraj's expedition and it did make her worried.

When Yuvraj entered her chamber, all others moved out owing to their privacy and the children were asleep. Since they were not hidden by the curtains, Yuvraj went to look at them. Anamika was looking at him silently and decided to break the silence herself, "Yuvraj, I couldn't do aarti as I'm still recuperating from my delivery. So you need to get it done by Ranisa. I wish you all the best and Lord Mahadev (Shiva) will always be there in your every step. And victory will be ours."

Pratap just moved his eyes towards her and thanked her for her wishes while praying to Lord Mahadev that her words come true. Then once again he went on to looking at his children. Anamika let him do as he wishes but felt uneasy at his behaviour as if he is looking at their children for the last time. Suddenly a knock was heard when a maid informed that Yuvraj had to depart and then she went out. Yuvraj straightened his back from his position while looking down at his children and went near Anamika who was still looking at him.

There was only an inch of space between them enough for the transparent curtain surrounding the bed. Pratap suddenly said,"Pratiksha". (Meaning: Expectation or Long wait)

Anamika thought he is asking her to wait for his return. But he continued,"Our daughter's name. It's Pratiksha Pratap Singh Rathod. My long wait has been answered finally. So name her as such, if I couldn't come back......by that time". Previously he said that he would reveal the name only on the day of naming ceremony, but suddenly he revealed now?

Without letting Anamika to think more, Pratap parted the curtain and kissed her forehead making her freeze on her spot. He then said,"I know you will make wise decisions but if there is a situation where your authority feels lower and powerless, then make use of the blank edict with my seal. Don't hesitate to use that". Anamika nodded at him and he left from the chamber without looking back.

Ranisa did the aarti and put tilak on his forehead, after which Yuvraj departed along with the soldiers.

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Hi guys,

Do vote and comment if you like the chapter.

And the 10 days functions for the Shiva temple consecration ceremony also began. By next week it will be completed. Thanks for everyone who contributed or wished for the ceremony.

Thanks,
SM.