Episode on Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sanyo and Prithvi together ride on horse, Chand is behind them, they and the Dhilli troops have left Gombligaon and head for Dhilli via the Kannauj border.
The words of Baba run over and over in Prithvi’s mind, he is disturbed by it.

Meanwhile Jaichand’s troops fire arrows consistently, the Dhilli troops are struck, none of them have shields to protect themselves and many of them are dying. Arjun and Pundir stand and try to save themselves in the shower of arrows too.
Arjun questions, are you okay Pundir!
A sudden attack on us? Who can this be? Both of them duck to save themselves.
An attack! We have been attacked, run from here, all the troops exclaim, they run to a safer area, out of reach of the arrows.
Pundir and Arjun are still dodging the arrows. Pundir tries to see beyond in the distance, he sees the figure of Jaichand ahead. Maharaj Jaichand? Pundir is surprised and shocked. Arjun also looks across the lake he can see him too. Everybody move back! Pundir tries to save the army. Jaichand’s military has surrounded us, all of you run into the fields and get ready!
More arrows are continuously fired at them. Arjun and Pundir with the army make a run, out of arrows reach, into the fruit trees.
Both of them sit behind bushes for safety as shields from danger. But Jaichand’s military still fire their arrows at a sharp range. Arjun watches how the arrows still make their way to Pundir’s vicinity, many near in his direction. Arjun sees the threat and suddenly shouts P-U-N-D-I-R! He gets up quickly and yanks him aside from the arrows path. Pundir ends up tripping down to the ground, and Arjun gets hit by one arrow instead. Arjun is in severe pain, Pundir looks at him in alarm, he still lies on the ground.

Jaichand can see from the distance they have hit their target.
Arjun now has an arrow lodged in his waste and struggles to stand, Pundir crawls to his side, he is shocked, Arjun? Pundir gets up and gives him support. Arjun is in intense pain he staggers. Arjun, Arjun? Arjun falls on his lap, he cannot bear the pain, and looks blankly into space. Pundir gives his head support.

Meanwhile Prithvi’s Dhilli party march forward with Prithvi in the lead, they carry many torches to light the dark forest. Prithvi is still not able to take the words lightly said by Baba. Prithvi was not able to get any answers from Baba either, he had witnessed a dream about a prophecy of somebody’s death, but whose?
Prithvi, Sanyo, Chand and the troops all march on through the night.

Arjun lies in Pundir’s lap. Arjun, Arjun, are you okay? Pundir repeatedly taps his cheek, he is unconscious. Arjun, open your eyes, open your eyes Arjun. Again he requests, Arjun, open your eyes, the situation is tense Pundir is nervous. He shakes him to wake up.
Arjun finally opens his eyes, he gasps.
What did you do Arjun? You saved me from being their target, why did you do this and sacrifice yourself, why?
Arjun smiles, because, if anything happens to me, you can at least be there to arrange the welcome ceremony for sister-in-law. Arjun can barely pronounce the words.
More arrows are fired in their direction.
Pundir scolds him for it.

Many more arrows are fired, Jaichand takes out his sword, where do you sit and hide cowards! If you have the courage come out of your cave, and face our arrows. He shouts from across the lake.

Pundir and Arjun can hear the distinct words of Jaichand, they listen to his echoing voice from the distance they are disgusted with him.

Prithvi! You have so much overconfidence of your power. Today I will show how Jaichand is!

Pundir and Arjun listen on. Arjun cannot take the pain he gasps for air.

More arrows are fired in their direction. Where are you sitting and hiding Prithviraj Chauhan! If you have the courage!.... Then come out and show it to us! HEY PRITHVI! Jaichand shouts out loud.

Prithvi, Sanyo and the army march on, they are on their way. Again Baba’s words ring in Prithvi’s ear. They halt for a moment Prithvi scans the area around, it doesn’t look like that any battle has taken place in this area. But still how can anything happen to Pundir.
Chand is listening and concerned, Sanyo asks, what?
Prithvi looks at Sanyo, nothing come on, he tries to avoid explaining what he just said, to her.
Sanyo stops him, just don’t worry Prithvi, nothing will happen to your friends. They both must have already reached Dhilli by now.
Come Sanyo, they all continue marching on.

Jaichand and party have crossed the lake and entered the other side in the area where Arjun, Pundir and the troops are hiding. Jaichand leads his military through the bushes in search for them. Slowly and carefully they march ahead scanning the entire area, the military carry torches to see in the darkness.

Jaichand is nearing them. Pundir whispers, you take yourself and some of the troops with you to the back side and go from here, they both sit behind some bushes. You are in great need of treatment badly.
Now you don’t worry about my pain, friend. These kind of wounds, don’t know how many times I have tolerated.
Jaichand leads the way through the fields, his army follows behind. He cautiously searches for the Dhilli party, he holds his sword in front of him ready to strike.

I am actually worried for Prithvi, if he reaches here in these kind of conditions, his life will fall in danger again says Arjun.
Yes and they must have left for the Kannauj border.

Prithvi and party are on their way.

Under any circumstances we must stop Prithvi from advancing in this direction, tells Pundir to Arjun.
You are correct, you must go quickly and reach him and tell him the news of the conditions here. You must tell him that he should change his path, instead of using the northern road, he should use the path in the southern direction of the border instead and reach Dhilli through there. You go! Arjun is in pain but still informs his buddy the plan.
No, Arjun, no, I cannot go and leave you in this condition. How will you be able to face all of Jaichand’s army, alone?
Don’t worry about me friend! Arjun is upset. Prithvi’s life is in danger over there, there is no time to think about it now Pundir! It is our responsibility that Prithvi and sister-in-law reach Dhilli safely!

Prithvi and party move on through the night not knowing what they are about to encounter.

Jaichand and his army close in the area.

Pundir can hear the sounds of some troops nearing them, sounds of people passing through the grass ahead are evident. He still sits with Arjun behind some foliage and he knows they are hunting for them. Pundir has understood the situation now, I think now somebody is coming in our direction. Arjun is worried.
Jaichand’s army move in their area and start shooting arrows again, one Dhilli’s troop is hit again, he shouts ahhhh!
Pundir and Arjun hear his moans and look at each other.
The Kannauj troops are scattered around and hide behind the bushes, they get ready with their bows once more.
One Dhilli troop approaches Pundir and Arjun and whispers, Maharaj Jaichand and army are searching for us and coming in our direction here.
Arjun is shocked.
Jaichand and party are just nearby to them, all in the fields.
Pundir orders the troop, tell our army to get ready to attack secretly! Tell them to start the warfare. Arjun nods. We will fight till our last breath, Pundir exclaims sternly. Go! He holds his sword ready. The troop leaves to follow the orders and inform the others.

Jaichand and army scour the fields and are very close by now.

Pundir and Arjun get ready with their bows, they flex it and position the arrows to strike. They see Jaichand and two of his men painted green all over their bodies as camouflage, still visible, coming closer. They both aim, Arjun releases his bow and kills one man, Pundir strikes another.
Ackkk! Ackkkk! Jaichand is startled. The fight is on.
Arjun strikes another. 2 of Dhilli’s troops are hitting too. Arjun and Pundir shower their arrows back at Jaichand’s forces, along with the Dhilli troops who too are killing their opponents one by one. Pundir tries to hit but misses Jaichand, he takes safety behind a tree.

Jaichand is caught by surprise, in this darkness it is quite impossible to spot our enemies! We must retreat! They are unable to face the attack of the Dhilli forces they are getting showered with arrows. I cannot watch my troops die in this fashion! He and his troops dodge arrows all around them.

Pundir and Arjun fight back so do the Dhilli army.

We will wait till morning to make our next attack, secretly behind the hill. Let’s go! Jaichand and his troops make a run, away from the attacking Dhilli forces.
Pundir and Arjun aim at them. Arjun watches them all run away. Pundir raises his hand and gives his sign to halt attack. The troops stop and wait in their spots. Pundir says, if the enemy finds out our hiding places, we must also secretly wait for them.
Arjun is worried, but if Prithvi reaches here before morning time then what?
No it cannot be like that, Prithvi will rest through the night then advance after in the morning. Making it obvious that under any circumstances he will not be able to reach here before tomorrow night.

They do not know but Prithvi has already left and on his way with his forces they all march ahead nonstop. Sanyo finally exclaims, I am all exhausted Prithvi! No energy left in me, we will stop here and take some rest.
Sanyo, if you are so tired, you stop with Chand and rest here. Because my ultimate goal is to first reach the Kannauj border before morning time, under any conditions.
Sanyo is puzzled and cannot understand him, actually what is really the hurry Prithvi? How long we have been moving continuously without any breaks in between? You are yourself tired also, why don’t you just rest for a while?
No Sanyo, I just cannot rest at all, I must reach the Kannauj border as soon as possible under any circumstances.
Actually what is really at the Kannauj border that you want to reach within the night? Are you hiding something from me?
No Sanyo, it’s nothing like that.
Fine then, if you cannot stop here, then I will not stop here to rest either.
Really?
Yes. If you are not exhausted, neither am I. We will proceed without halting anywhere.
Prithvi is pleased with her attitude and smiles, like this if we continuously move ahead without halting, then it is possible for us to reach our destination before morning comes. Come on let’s go.
Yes, let’s go what’s the question of being late.
Chand and all proceed according to Prithvi’s wishes.

The sun is rising, morning is inevitable. Jaichand and his forces have been waiting the whole night secretly in the fields. Get ready to attack he orders them all! Now they will be able to see their enemies properly.
Arjun waits with Pundir and their forces, he can see the sun is rising in the sky. It’s almost morning, we must get ready to attack now.
Pundir replies, in this daylight we can see them all clearly, and they can see us clearly too. Now it’s time for our test.

Jaichand and his camouflaged troops wait scattered here and there in the tall grass.

Today, we have to eliminate our enemies, or ourselves be wiped out.

The sun has almost risen fully. Jaichand watches it, in front of this sun I will slaughter Maharaj Prithvraj Chauhan. Forever and ever I will wipe out his existence. I will make him endure a most terrifying death, that even history will fear the consequences of it.
Our troops are ready Maharaj, informs the senapati. Only waiting for your orders.
Okay then, all I can say is that all should stay at their posts and be vigilant. Once you see Prithvi and his friends you must not show them any mercy! Understand!
Senapati nods. He leaves to inform the rest.

Its morning already, the sun has risen to its fullest capacity. Pundir, Arjun and the troops wait in the field silently. Arjun watches beyond, somebody is coming from behind. Distinct sounds of people marching are heard.
Pundir can hear it too, who can it be? They look through the tall grass, its Prithvi and forces! They have reached according to Prithvi’s wishes in time.
Arjun is not happy, Prithvi here? So early? He is in a dilemma.

Jaichand is also alerted too by the marching sounds.

Pundir and Arjun are alarmed for their safety. Pundir warns, they will kill them, Jaichand will make an attack on them.
Oh my God, what will we do! Arjun is tense with the situation. Before Maharaj Jaichand notices Prithvi, we will have to stop Prithvi from coming any closer in this area.
For that we will have to pass in front of Jaichand, Pundir warns. They both watch Prithvi and everyone coming still closer and closer.
There is much danger Pundir! The moment we come out of cover, we will become the target of the enemy’s arrows.
Pundir pats his friend, you just wait here, I will do the job.
No! You wait here, I will get to Prithvi, Arjun insists.
But you are already severely injured, I will not allow you to bear the danger.
No! I still have liveliness in me!
Will you be able to stand in front and run to them? And if you collapse right in the middle of the path, your life will be in danger and so will be Prithvi’s, Pundir questions his friend.
Arjun is nervous, I will never allow that to happen!
Don’t argue about this Arjun! Listen to me! See there! They both can see Prithvi and the army with Chand and Sanyo approaching on the path right in the vicinity of Jaichand and forces, and they are not aware of it. Let me go this time only, friend, next time it will be your turn.
Arjun is reluctant to give his answer, he looks at Pundir, take care of yourself, but I want my next chance sooner and faster.
Now wait, I will just go and come back in no time.

Prithvi and forces walk ahead and halt in the path, Prithvi looks ahead in the area.
Sanyo says, see you were getting scared for nothing, everything is fine here.
Chand agrees, yes and we will soon pass this territory.
But until we have passed the border I will not be satisfied. Come lets proceed, they all march ahead.

Pundir makes a run for it bravely, not knowing what he will have to endure when the Kannauj forces attack. He runs as fast as he can across the forest.
By now Jaichand has spotted him.
Arjun watches in alarm he is aware of the consequences.
Eliminate him! Jaichand orders.
Arjun keeps an eye to the situation he watches Pundir run ahead. He too gives the Dhilli troops orders to attack!
One Kannauj trooper aims at Pundir and shoots at him he misses. Pundir runs and tries to dodge 4 more arrows.
Make the arrows fly! Orders Jaichand. 4 more fly in the air.
Arjun watches Pundir he still has some distance to go. More arrows are fired at him. 2 arrows hit him, one on his leg and the other on his arm, he raises his arms in the air with writhing pain, enhhhhh!
Arjun is upset, Pundir can barely stand, P-U-N-D-I-R! He shouts.
Jaichand can hear Arjun’s voice and is pleased with the developments.
Pundir is hurt badly and loses his balance, he falls to the ground. He is still conscious and tries to see before him, he moans with severe pain, two arrows have penetrated his body. A faint blurry image of Prithvi and gang are visible to him, he tries his best not to blank out. Prithvi! Pundir lunges forward and removes one of the arrows out of his leg, arrgghh! Ehhhhh! He moans some more as he sits up and removes the second from his upper arm region. Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Pundir doesn’t lose courage and staggers to stand up, he somehow limps forward to get to Prithvi as soon as he can. Prithvi is coming.
Arjun has his bow in hand keeping an eye on him at the other end of the path in case he needs help, to protect him. Pundir runs as fast as he can. Prithvi can see him approaching now. Pundir makes a huge leap into the air and falls down flat on the ground.
Prithvi looks at him and calls out, Pundir! Chand too calls Pundir! They both rush to his side. Chand and Prithvi kneel and support his arms upward to make him sit up.
Prithvi calls, Pundir! Pundir!
Arjun is still alert.
Pundir opens his eyes, you go back Prithvi, he can barely speak, ahead… There is danger ahead.
Prithvi sees in the other direction ahead of him. So does Chand and Sanyo.
Go back.
Pundir? Pundir? Prithvi holds his buddy, who has made you wounded?
You take sister-in-law away in southern direction of the border from here. Ehh… Arjun will take care of everything. Pundir closes his eyes.
PUNDIR! Pundir open your eyes! Prithvi shouts and shakes him vigorously to wake up, he is worried for his friend. Pundir! Tell me who are you running from? And who is it that has attacked you? Why are you telling me to go via the southern border? Pundir! Prithvi shakes him once more.
Pundir somehow opens his eyes again and answers Maharaj… Jaichand.
Prithvi is shocked, so is Sanyo and Chand, to hear the news.