Episode on Sunday, September 21, 2008

I am the Rajkavi Chand Bardai and come here to witness and write about the grand swayamwar he tells the guard at the gate of the palace in Kannauj. I will write with my quill the entire story and tell the world.

Jaichand is inspecting the palace and checking the tall marble statues. The sculptor is by his side and tells him that the statues will be placed near every pillar in the palace, so that all the guests can see and wonder.
Jaichand is still not impressed, he says I don't need it. What I need is only one statue, a statue of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Sorry Maharaj, I don't understand why you would want to keep a statue of your own enemy around?
I want Prithvi’s likeness sculptured with hands drawn forward in a begging position to place at the gate of entry of the palace so all can see, so that his character will be disgraced.
The sculptor is impressed, what an idea! He compliments Jaichand.

Maharaj Ki Jai ho! The guard calls Jaichand to inform, Rajkavi Chand Bardai has come to attend the swayamwar!
Jaichand is surprised, he knows that he will not come without a reason. This must be one of Prithviraj's tricks! Don't let him come! Tell him not to come at all, he orders the guard.
The guard does not think it’s the appropriate thing to do. He warns his King, but he is Rajkavi and such people have to be welcomed. It’s a tradition, we have to let him come, otherwise all the guests, Rajas and Maharajas will find out and not be pleased by our conduct.
Jaichand has no choice he has to say okay, let him enter. It must be another trick of Prithvi's otherwise why would he come here in the first place?

It is night, Sanyo sits down in a corner of the room. She says time is nearing for me. I get closer and closer to the day of the swayamwar. I wonder how I can retain this night to avoid the next? Sanyo remembers the past with Prithvi.
Jaichand enters the room, Rajkumari Sanyogita? He calls and sits by her side on the bed. He tries to make an understanding between them, daughter I know you see me negatively but parents always try to see what’s best for their children. Now just see what I have brought you for the swayamwar. Just forget about the other arrangements I have made, but instead see your bracelets and designer jewelry specially made for this ceremony.
Sanyo gives her answer she is not interested in seeing the ornaments, she says I have no value for these items.
Jaichand is annoyed and cannot take it anymore, enough! It’s just too much! Think what you want makes no difference to me, you just get ready for the swayamwar! Take all the goods away. Jaichand orders the guards to keep a strict eye on Sanyogita at all times. He shrugs his shoulders and leaves the room.
Roopali returns to Sanyo’s side, and sits next to her. Roopali notices something in Sanyo's hand, it is a ring with many diamonds in it. She asks her where did you get that.
Sanyo says she will remove the diamonds and end her life with it.
How did you get this in the first place, Roopali grabs it from her grasp and takes it away before Sanyo can react?
Sanyo tries to get it back but no use, stop Roopali, she shouts.
Roopali leaves the room quickly before she can do anything.
Sanyo is left alone helpless, it doesn't matter. I will commit suicide under any condition.

Prithvi and Chand enter the palace and walk in the hallway, they both smile. Announcement made to Jaichand, Maharaj, Rajkavi Chand Bardai has come. Both of them walk on the red carpet. Chand comes closer to Jaichand. Jaichand looks straight at him as they both approach. Chand is polite and says, on behalf of Prithviraj Chauhan "prannam sweekar hai".
Come, come Jaichand welcomes Chand. How is it that you come here he asks?
I came to give "badai" on Prithviraj's behalf.
Yes, that’s good since you have come you must attend the swayamwar too. Then you can describe the whole ceremony to him, he will enjoy it!
Chand acts as if he agrees, why not? I will describe to him in such a fashion, that it would be like he was present himself right in front. Don't you feel that my presence here is equal to his presence also? Chand questions Jaichand. Chand puts on a good drama before him.
Jaichand orders that Rajkavi Chand Bardai be taken with respect to the guest house. Jaichand quickly looks at the man accompanying Chand and says, but wait who is this with you?
Prithvi doesn't have any answer ready, he quickly tries to respond uh....uh.. I am Kannaiya, Rajkavi's personal helper/assistant.
Jaichand tells Rajkavi you must rest now but after you have to recite poems here to all the guests and “dil baila-o”.
Yes, of course, why not.
Your Maharaj must be making you do the same all day? Prithvi must like poetry a lot?
No, he is more interested in martial arts Maharaj, Chand responds. Chand takes his leave and goes to the pavilion to join the other guests.
Jaichand gets up from his seat.

At the Yamuna Kinara palace, Sanyo is still after Roopali. You need to give me back the ring, Sanyogita makes her demand to her.
No!
Then will I have to find another alternative?
No!
Then what do you want me to do? Go ahead and perform the swayamwar and marry whomever Maharaj tells me to?
God will find a way out, Roopali assures her.
No! How? There are only 5 days left, what will I do in 5 days?
5 days are plenty and anything can happen in that time period. Just pray to God. Trust God and leave it to him, Roopali gives her good advice.

Chand and Prithvi wander around the palace in efforts to find Sanyo. Prithvi is carrying all the writing material, the load is very heavy. Chand apologizes to Prithvi, I have to make you lift all the goods everywhere.
Its okay I don't mind, I will do anything for Sanyo.
Then how we will find her, Chand questions Prithvi, they don't have clue where she might be.
Prithvi advises Chand to recite his poetry and keep everybody occupied with it, "dil baila-o". I will find out where Sanyogita is soon.
Jaichand has his suspicions, I cannot trust them both, he orders his guards to keep a constant check on them. I need to know each and every move they make, and every word that they utter. Especially that Kannaiya he looks suspicious. Just keep a special eye and spy on Kannaiya! Go!
Jaichand's guards tell Jaichand, you seem to be extra worried for no reason about that Kannaiya, he looks so innocent. He is just an ordinary servant that’s all.
No! He looks intimidating, he looks like he is on a special mission, he looks more like the master then the assistant.
They obey Jaichand, yes Maharaj!
Prithviraj! I know that you will go to any extreme and search from earth to sky just to find Sanyo! I will not allow you to get her at all!

Chand is worried about their presence at the palace. He asks Prithvi, what if Jaichand sees us and has doubt on you while we search for her? Just don’t worry keep everybody involved in your poetry and art so he doesn't pay attention to anything else "uska dil baila-o", and leave the rest to me.
Okay Prithvi. Chand notices that Prithvi is smiling, he tells him that he is happy to see him happy after a long time.

Sanyo is restless in her room, she walks back and forth. She is impatient as the days of her swayamwar draw closer. The servants bring in her food, they request her to eat it. We have been ordered to look after you till the swayamwar.
Sanyo is furious, she takes the tray of food and throws it on the floor. Look I don't want it! Tell Maharaj! The servants clean the mess and leave.
Roopali enters the room and reminds her that there are only 4 days left.
I want to commit suicide.
Roopali wants to give hope to Sanyo and changes the subject, she informs her that Chand Bardai has come for the swayamwar.
Yes? Is Prithvi there too? Sanyo is hopeful he has come too.
No, only Chand Bardai has come but he is accompanied by an assistant. She sees she has become upset again. Don't be so upset, don't worry, he must have a plan set. Prithvi won't just keep quiet like that he will definitely take action.
It better be so, I just cannot do this swayamwar at all. Sanyo gives Roopali a hug, she slips her hand into Roopali's gagra/dress-skirt where her draw string pouch/bag has been tucked in. Sanyo carefully removes the pouch without her noticing it. The pouch contains the diamond ring, Sanyo conceals it in her fist.
I cannot wait anymore if the swayamwar isn't stopped, I will stop the swayamwar with my death. Sanyo murmurs to herself.