The Dhilli troops march ahead and the 4 travel in 2 separate camel driven carts. Chand is with Pundir in one cart, Prithvi rides with Arjun in the cart in front. Arjun has requested Prithvi that he wants to take ‘”darshan” of Pundir. He found out the truth.
Prithvi just cries he was controlling his emotions all this time for the sake of Arjun so he doesn’t find out what happened to Pundir, because it may affect his health and psychology. Prithvi now releases his frustration.
Arjun lies in the cot, in the cart watching Prithvi, don’t cry Prithvi, he requests, you only cry for someone’s death.
Prithvi cannot control his emotions and covers his face with his hands.
Our friend did not die, he is a martyr, “veer gathi”. I would like to take the last “darshan” of my friend the martyr.
Prithvi understands his buddy, he orders the cart to halt. Chand wonders why they have stopped.
Prithvi whispers, Arjun you just wait, he is lifting his head to see outside. Chand! Bring your cart ahead near ours, Prithvi calls out.
Chand’s cart is pulled up front. Arjun and Prithvi wait for the other cart to be parallel with theirs. Prithvi gently lifts Arjun’s head to view Pundir.
Chand looks at them from the other cart, then he slowly removes the sheet off of Pundir’s head to reveal his face. Prithvi is holding Arjun up in sitting position, he looks sadly at the body of Pundir lying across in the next cart. Arjun grieves for his friend and folds his hands to do final “namaskar” to Pundir. He looks at him intently. He can’t bare the situation and shakes, he is crying now. Chand has joined them in their cart and cries too. Arjun is not able to bear it anymore and weeps loudly.
Arjun?
Arjun hugs Prithvi and Chand tightly.
Meanwhile, Sanyo is getting ready at Dhilli. She is dressing up and puts on her ornaments. She puts on her elegant necklace of pure gold, armlet, earings, bracelets etc. She applies “bindi” on her forehead and she gets her hair done by the servant. Sanyo looks in the mirror of her dressing table and watches the earrings dangle. Her main servant has come into the room. Sanyo sees her from the mirror and gets up, she asks her, tell me fast till where has your King reached so far?
He has reached very close to the Dhilli border Maharani, he will be arriving very soon.
Sanyo is very happy and cheerful she turns and looks at the mirror again and checks her appearance.
The carts travel ahead with the troops following behind on foot. Prithvi, how….How much more…
Just understand we are about to reach the place, Prithvi assures his friend. Just wait a little more Arjun, Prithvi pats his head gently.
Remember,… Remember when we all met in Gurukul for the first time? How we all together troubled Chand? He remembers the time when he took his poetry scrolls away from him for the sake of taking a bath after 5 days. Prithvi finally returned the scrolls to Chand and they all threw Chand in the pond, he got all wet. Afterwards they all joined him too, in the pond. Arjun and Prithvi both remember the good old days, Prithvi looks at him and laughs softly.
How we all use to do mischievous things over there.
Those were one of the happiest times of our lives Arjun. Prithvi smiles, I will never be able to forget it, he admits.
Remember Prithvi, when you left with your father to fight.
Prithvi nods his head and smiles more.
Hmm?
Yes I remember, and you all one by one were ready to accompany me. They were all young and wanted to come along with Prithvi to the war. According to them the King doesn’t depart without his army, but Prithvi didn’t want them to come because of the danger to their lives. Arjun said their lives were dedicated to Prithvi’s Kingdom. If anything happened to Prithvi it was equivalent to their own deaths. Prithvi told them they were crazy those days.
Arjun and Pundir are lost in their thoughts and smile they remember when they all joined hands and took oath of existing together and departing together.
Arjun says, see how we have fulfilled our vows, for real?
Prithvi quickly replies I do not want these kind of promises Arjun, he shakes his head, don’t want it and pats his head.
Arjun’s health doesn’t look good. He keeps on closing his eyes. Prithvi it was prestigious and a great honour to serve and fight for a great King like you.
Prithvi closes his eyes, no Arjun it is a great honour to have fought battles with such great “veer yodhas” like you.
Prithvi… After I go, I wish that my son Veer, join your forces, like I have till his departure, Prithvi.
Prithvi is pleased, Arjun, I promise he will always stay close to my heart as much as you are.
Arjun suddenly seems to be losing it, he breathes harder.
Arjun? The cart travels. Prithvi tries to divert Arjun’s attention, we will be reaching the Dhilli border soon, see over there, he gestures outside the cart, in front we can see, he informs his buddy. All the troops wait outside in a row with lighted torches.
They travel and have almost made it, but Arjun doesn’t seem to be reacting and doesn’t answer his eyes are closing.
No, Arjun? Arjun? No, Arjun? Not now.
Arjun’s vision is going blurry.
Little more time, just wait a little more time Arjun, Prithvi pats and rubs Arjun’s head softly he looks out of the cart and sees everybody in Dhilli waiting for them. He requests his friend to hang on a little bit more. Arjun, keep your eyes open Arjun, we are almost there, he pleads. See it’s all for you. Everything has been arranged for the welcome ceremony. The night has been lit with thousands of torches. See now we have reached, Prithvi tells his friend and smiles.
Arjun moves his head slightly he can see outside the cart, all the troops standing with torches across the edge of the water canal on both sides. He sees the flag and the Kingdom’s emblem. But no use he is fading away fast. Prithvi looks at him in desperation continuously patting his head.
Chand is watching too.
Prithvi calls Arjun,… Arjun,… Arjun. No movement, no response from him this time. Prithvi turns his head in grief, he can’t face it.
Chand closes his eyes in sadness and bows his head down.
Prithvi slowly turns his head forward to look at Arjun, he slowly raises his hand and closes Arjun’s eyes, he is gone.
Chand weeps silently. Prithvi just stares sadly at him and closes his eyes in pain, he has got another loss of his other friend.
In the palace Sanyo races to the hallway of the entrance, two servants stand at both sides of the hallway with two stands of lighted lamps.
Come on fast, he may come any moment inside the palace now, all of you get ready for the reception, come on fast, come. Sanyo leads the way down the hallway her servants follow behind. Many servants stand and wait along the hallway.
Outside in Dhilli the horns are blown, all the civilians stand outside their homes to welcome their King. They all stand along the street many have torches in their hands. Prithvi’s cart arrives first, all shout, Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan Ki Jai! All the public cheer, Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan Ki Jai! All throw rice and flowers for victory. Prithvi has come, Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan Ki Jai! Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan Ki Jai!
Prithvi sits with both of his slain “veer yodhas” in one cart, he holds both of their hands. Chand also sits next to them behind Prithvi. The cart rides down the narrow lane on the way to the palace. Soon the public quiet down as they see the heroes lay while the cart passes by the people.
One suspicious figure stands wrapped in black clothes and black turban covering his face. He stands alone and eyes Prithvi suspiciously as he passes. He is also watching Pundir and Arjun who lay in the cart.
Sanyo is so anxious and runs through the hallway that leads to the Krishna Idol, she tells a servant, decorate the hallway with lamps, for each returning victor, a lamp lit on his name!
Yes Queen, the servant arranges a tray with “kum-kum”, turmeric powder, flower petals and lamps for Sanyo to take with her to welcome Prithvi, she hands it over to her. Sanyo says I will welcome them in such a fashion that not even in my dreams have I ever thought of it, she giggles.
Outside Prithvi’s cart nears the palace in a procession, the same unknown person in black clothes is vigilant among the public and watches them intently. The cart passes the suspicious person, all the public are silent.
Inside the palace all are waiting, a blue colour carpet is along the full length of the hallway.
Announcement: Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan is present and enters the palace!
Prithvi is the first to enter inside and he is alone, Sanyo is at the other end of the hallway she is anxiously coming with the tray of lighted lamps everything is set and ready.
Prithvi walks slowly taking big strides. He can see her coming in front, her two servants are behind her. Sanyo is smiling but Prithvi is expressionless and sad. Prithvi stops midway in the hallway.
Sanyo notices something odd and slows down at her end.
Prithvi moves aside in the hallway and gives way to the troops who have entered the palace and carry Arjun’s body on a cot.
Sanyo looks and walks slowly, she soon realizes the fact, she is shocked.
The troops slowly lower the cot down to the floor in the middle of the hallway. Same way Pundir is also behind, more troops have entered and carry Pundir’s body on a cot also, they lay his cot down too.
Sanyo is shocked to see such a display, she lets go of the metal tray in her hands and it smashes to the floor, all the contents scatter. Sanyo stares in horror and then runs to Prithvi’s friends.
They just finish laying Pundir down. Sanyo looks at Arjun and squats down next to him. Arjun, Arjun? Sanyo shakes Arjun’s chin, open your eyes Arjun! See! See how I have prepared and decorated everything for your reception. I have even prepared sweets for you she whimpers, I have even lighted 1000 lamps for you, Arjun! Wake up Arjun! Sanyo shakes his chin vigorously his whole head shakes. You, you wanted a grand reception right? Then wake up! Sanyo whimpers.
Prithvi stares into space.
Sanyo pleads, Arjun wake up! She still shakes his chin, she is crying bitterly. Sanyo turns her head and realizes Pundir is also lying in a cot next to Arjun. Pundir! She walks over to him and kneels. Pundir, Pundir! Open your eyes Pundir! Sanyo looks at Prithvi, Prithvi! Prithvi what is this…
No answer from him.
Chand! Chand! Sanyo gets up, Chand! Arjun and Pundir! How did this all happen? Chand!
No answer from Chand either he is silent.
She looks at Pundir and Arjun and whines. Sanyo looks at Prithvi again and runs to him, Prithvi! Prithvi! Prithvi how did all this….Sanyo cries on his chest.
Prithvi doesn’t answer he just stands expressionless in the palace hallway.
Pundir and Arjun’s bodies have been brought inside. Chand is busy cleansing the bodies of his friends and prepares them for the last rites.
Prithvi sits nearby motionless just lost in his thoughts and is in shock.
Chand is wiping their faces and shoulders.
Sanyo comes into the quarters and looks sadly at the departed friends. Sanyo sits down next to Prithvi, he is just staring in his friend’s direction looking straight but his attention is on nothing.
Prithvi since the time you have come you are silent, speak something. Sanyo puts her hand on his shoulder for how long will you keep silent like this Prithvi?
Chand is still doing the work, his attention is diverted to them both, he finally gets up and walks over to her, you just leave him alone for some days, then everything will be alright.
Sanyo is worried and sad for her husband. Chand goes back to prepare the departed buddies for their last rites. Sanyo sits helpless she cannot do anything for Prithvi. She looks at both of them and remembers how Pundir told her to receive them when they reached Dhilli. She promised Pundir she would bring the tray of victory to do ‘arthi’. She remembers how Arjun requested her to receive them with lighted lamps and rain of flowers, after all they are fighting the biggest war ever in their lives. Sanyo is very upset and gets up. She takes the container of kum-kum and starts to apply it around Pundir and Arjun’s body, she weeps and leaves the room.
In the meantime, the suspicious person in black, who was at the procession earlier, enters into the palace he is in the hallway and walks ahead unnoticed by anyone. Two guards wait at the end of the hallway, he approaches them, where is Maharaj Prithvi?
They answer him, he is there in the quarters ahead one guard points in the direction to show him. He passes by easily nobody questions who he is, he is just able to move around in the palace so freely?
Sanyo has left the quarters, she is sad, she remembers how she was making all the arrangements and told the servants to use other flowers. Sanyo is upset and starts to rip off the garlands of marigolds angrily that hang around the huge pillars of the palace. All the servants are engaged in that task, removing the decorations, it has gone wasted do to her father. Two servants remove a huge bowl of water and pour it on the floor to spoil the ‘rangoli’ and flower arrangement made there. Sanyo watches them and is upset all her efforts for the reception have gone in vain.
The unknown person in black is coming silently he passes through the hallway.
Chand is finishing up and about to reach for the flowers, his attention is on Prithvi again he looks at him, he is worried for him. Prithvi still stares blankly his mind doesn’t seem to be paying attention to anything.
The man in black pushes away his shawl and reveals a dagger. He removes it from his waistband and walks on he seems to be heading directly to Prithvi’s quarters. Nobody is there to stop him, what work he has with Prithvi?
Sanyo is now in the other room helping out the Pandits arrange for the last rites, she assists them and passes the tray to them. A ”Hom” is being prepared with sandalwood as firewood. Four Pandits are getting ready to perform the ceremony for Arjun and Pundir. One arranges a white cloth and lays it on the floor, the other 3 sit and prepare for the rites.
The man in black clothes has made it till there he is coming. He walks over to Sanyo and greets her, ”prannam” where is Maharaj Prithvi?
Sanyo doesn’t even look at his face or ask who he is, she is busy doing the work and just points to the other room there, showing him the direction. The man just follows the direction and goes there.
Prithvi is still sitting in the same place silently. Chand is not present he has finished the work and gone somewhere.
The young man in black clothes slowly enters the quarters where Prithvi is and looks at Prithvi from behind. The unknown man walks towards him and says Maharaj Prithvi?
Prithvi finally reacts and turns his head to see who it is.
Suddenly the man with black clothes takes his dagger and stabs Prithvi instantly in his waist, once.
Prithvi does ahh! He looks at the man in the eyes but says nothing he doesn’t react.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Episode on Saturday, February 14, 2009
Prithvi is by Arjun’s bed side and shakes him, Arjun! Wake up Arjun! Open your eyes Arjun! His hand is on his forehead.
Arjun responds he is okay he slowly opens his eyes, huh Prithvi, friend…Yes Prithvi I have told you….
Chand is crying.
Prithvi holds his hand and nods listening carefully to him.
…. That I would take my last breath in my own Dhilli/Ajmer, there… Not in Kannauj, you forgot what I said, what?
Prithvi feels bad and holds his hand in his fist and cries.
Arjun lifts his hand and touches Prithvi’s head, Prithvi, this is not the time to shed tears. You quickly win the war and then head back home. There sister-in-law must have prepared a grand welcome for us, he smiles, he can barely speak.
Your sister-in-law will be the happiest to see you return victorious, Prithvi strokes his forehead.
In Dhilli at the palace ‘darbar’ servants decorate the floor with a carpet of flower petals, they arrange the lamps in a design. Sanyo is inspecting the work, she sees it and complains what is this you have used ordinary colours of petals as “rangoli”, you must use bright colour flowers instead, she mentions a “victory” kind of flower. I am sure that our “yodha” will return back victorious, she smiles.
Sanyo moves to another area and meets another servant, did you get any news of the war?
You just don’t worry about it Queen. As soon as I get any news of it, I will come directly to you and inform you about it.
Okay. Now it’s late at night you just tell them all to do the remaining preparations early morning.
The servant acknowledges it and says okay.
It is morning the sun is rising, at the Kannauj battlefield everybody is present and ready. Prithvi stands with Chand and his army. He has his shield this time and sword with him, all the Dhilli troops stand behind him in a row.
At the opposite end are Jaichand and his “Senapati” and his army standing behind them in a row also.
Prithvi keeps on remembering the same incident of Pundir hit with a spear, the thoughts don’t go away. He also has to abide with his oath, he cannot harm Jaichand in any way, he made a promise to Sanyo. Tears run down Prithvi’s cheek.
Jaichand looks above in the sky, the sun is on the verge of rising to the fullest. Few minutes later the horn is blown, morning has come, the signal for the battle to start.
Jaichand doesn’t waste time he raises his sword in the air and orders attack! “Senapati” raises his too and shouts attack, to the troops. In front are the archers kneeling in a row, ready to shoot the arrows, the other troops race to attack the Dhilli army.
Prithvi races forward and is the first to attack, he kills the first Kannauj troop that attacks him, attack! Prithvi runs fast to the other side. Jaichand watches. Both sides meet each other in the battlefield the fight starts. Hundreds of swords clash, Dhilli troops versus Kannauj army. Prithvi runs and knocks one troop down, then a second, he twirls around and kills another. Prithvi rams his sword into one more and another flips in the air. One troop attacks him in front, Prithvi stabs his body through and through, he is killed instantly, Prithvi is on a rampage.
Jaichand watches his men fall at the hands of Prithvi.
More troops enter the battlefield and surround Prithvi, he finishes another instantly. One more troop attacks Prithvi, he moves away and flings his sword on the enemy, he is down. Prithvi has left a trail of dead troops of Kannauj behind him.
Jaichand doesn’t realize Prithvi’s strength and underestimates him, he just stands and watches how Prithvi eliminates his men one by one.
Prithvi shields himself from another troop and pushes him away. Prithvi uses his sword and cuts one more attacking at his side. He thrashes his sword on another and pushes one more with his shield, thump! Prithvi jumps in the air, another troop with his sword is cut again. Prithvi still has the same image of Pundir in his mind, the way he lay dead in his arms with a spear lodged in his chest. The image of Pundir in his mind fuels his rage to constantly attack. Prithvi keeps on attacking his opponents, and the image of Pundir dying keeps on flashing back in his mind. Prithvi has the image of Arjun lying in the bed in his mind, he too has very less time left.
Jaichand is furious none of his troops are able to beat Prithvi and kill him. Prithvi walks ahead and attacks two troops at a time, he attacks one with his shield and other with his sword.
Prithvi remembers how his father was slayed. Prithvi twirls around and cuts two more troops with his sword using centrifugal force. Again the image of Sanjam being devoured by buzzards races in his mind. Prithvi had taken oath he would not allow anything to happen to his friends, but things didn’t turn out that way. One troop tries to attack him he ducks down and pushes him back. Another he fights with his shield, he pushes him away with it. Prithvi twirls around and cuts the leg of another troop who tries to attack him.
Jaichand is on guard he waits with some men. Prithvi is eliminating his men one by one, he nears Jaichand now. He watches Prithvi angrily.
Prithvi jumps into the air and kicks another troop away, he flips over. Prithvi looks around for more men to attack, he holds his shield and sword. Many dead or injured soldiers of Kannauj lay on the ground around him. Nobody left to attack him now, he flings the shield away into the air and looks at Jaichand.
The end of this fight will be decided by Prithviraj’s death! Jaichand shouts and points at him. Go! Eliminate him! Go!
Just understand Maharaj the end is coming, says one troop.
Prithvi bravely walks forward in the enemy’s direction few troops who are left proceed towards him. Two of the troops attack Prithvi, he ducks away from their swords. He instantly swings his sword on them and they are gone.
Jaichand watches Prithvi finish his last batch of troops.
Prithvi attacks two more running his way, and another he kills. Two more troops swing their words on him cling, clang, cling, clang, he pushes them backward. Prithvi then swings his sword on one of the troops throats and same on the other they are both knocked down dead.
Jaichand watches how Prithvi butchers them so easily like they were chickens. He looks at Prithvi, nobody is left to fight Prithvi except himself.
Prithvi looks at Jaichand and walks in front of him passing some troops on the ground. Jaichand gives him an angry look. Prithvi and Jaichand look at each other for a moment they both stand motionless. The fight starts between them, both raise their swords and strike. Prithvi tries to get Jaichand but he turns around and ducks, Prithvi tries to cut his neck but again he moves away. All the Kannauj troops lay dead or unconscious on the ground. Chand holds the shield in his hands and watches the fight. Both of them swing their swords and hit each other, cling, clang, and cling! Prithvi twirls around and screams AHHH! His sword is up and aimed at Jaichand’s left shoulder. But Prithvi halts his movement and keeps the sword steady on Jaichand’s body, he has lost his weapon. He remembers the promise he gave to Sanyo again, he is not permitted to harm him in any way. Prithvi looks at Jaichand angrily the sword still rests on his shoulder. Jaichand! My promise I gave Sanyo has saved you today! Before my burning anger slaughters that promise, you get out of here!.... Get out of my sight!... Go!... GO!
Jaichand is speechless he moves two steps behind, then he hesitatingly leaves the battlefield without giving a response, he doesn’t even challenge Prithvi or threaten him. Jaichand walks away silently.
Prithvi takes a deep breath and watches him leave. Prithvi sees that he has gone and turns away, he has won the battle, it is finally over. Prithvi takes his sword and stamps it into the ground, he kneels down on both knees and holds his sword vertically. Prithvi bows his head and screams ahhhhhhhhhhh! He bends his head backward, achhhhhhh! Ahhhhh! He faces the sky. Ahhhhhhh! Prithvi bends forward again the sword touches his head, he leans on it and cries, he has lost one friend and is on the verge of losing another, what did he gain? Prithvi screams to shake out the frustration and pain of the loss, inside.
In the Dhilli palace, Sanyo is in the bedroom she is very excited and happy, she rushes to the dressing table. On the table is a jewelry box. She opens the lid of the box. Sanyo can see a jewel in it, she removes the jewel and holds it in her hands. She recognizes it and laughs. Okay, my own symbol has reached here before I did, she giggles “bigde raize”.
Suddenly a servant comes rushing into the room, Maharani! Congratulations Maharani, congratulations!
The war is over Maharani, she smiles with the good news. Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan is victorious! Our Maharaj! Our Maharaj has won the war! The servant puts her hand on her chest.
Really? Sanyo holds her servants arms.
Yes!
But Sanyo is not happy, she removes her hand from the servant and gets serious all of a sudden. But is Maharaj Jaichand okay? Sanyo has her loyalty to her father.
Yes Maharani, Maharaj Jaichand is well.
Sanyo is so thrilled only because her father is not harmed, she covers her face and laughs with joy, she turns around and around in happiness and grabs the servant, she almost lost her balance.
You have told me such good news, says Sanyo, the servant smiles at her. Sanyo walks over to the dressing table and returns with an ornament, take this. But has everything been prepared for the welcome ceremony?
Yes Maharani.
Okay then, Sanyo is thrilled, you go, and I will come in few minutes.
Okay, the servant runs back to continue her work.
Sanyo is so happy she twirls around and around again, I knew that Prithvi, you would turn out the victor. I just knew it! She lifts some rose petals in the room and throws it up in the air and twirls around again stretching her arms out. The petals scatter and fall on her.
Simultaneously the situation at the other end is not happy. Everybody is at camp in Kannauj. The Dhilli troops spread garlands of marigold and rose petals on the body of Pundir, he still lays on the platform outside in the camp, all the troops are present around him. Prithvi returns from the battlefield and walks over to Pundir’s side. The troops finish their work and put the trays of flowers down, Pundir has been decorated with flowers. The troops move aside and give way to Prithvi. Prithvi looks at him and stands by the platform, he slowly squats down and looks at him. Prithvi lifts Pundir’s right arm gently and holds his hand. Prithvi looks at his face closely a lamp is lit by his head. Prithvi looks at his hands, we have won friend. He continues to look at him and pats his forehead, let’s go, we will go back home. Prithvi still holds Pundir’s hand, see how….. I won today, but lost everything. I don’t understand what it was…. What it was for you to go away so hurriedly? Prithvi cannot control his tears, I have lost, Pundir, he shakes his head and starts to cry, I have lost. Prithvi weeps on Pundir’s hands.
Chand returns and puts his hand on Prithvi’s shoulder and kneels down next to them both, he is sad.
Prithvi looks at Chand, is Arjun alright?
Chand doesn’t answer he just bows his head down and tries to avoid crying.
Prithvi lays Pundir’s arm down, gently, come we will return home.
Chand acknowledges him and cries.
Prithvi pats Pundir’s forehead as if to tell him they are returning back.
In the Dhilli palace Sanyo is happy, she is with her servants and takes a garland of jasmine and roses from a tray they show to her. She inspects it and says there are less pearls in it. Go and add more pearls in it for decoration she advises them. I have promised Arjun and Pundir that their welcome ceremony will be so grand, so grand, that even God will come and give them blessings, okay then, go. The servants leave.
Sanyo walks over to another servant in the “darbar”, what is the condition of the other preparations left outside?
Yes Maharani, the musicians, “Raj Sangeetkar” have gone outside the palace and taken seats in their positions, Maharani.
And has the flowers to shower for victory been arranged yet?
Yes Maharani, from the palace entrance to the Maharaja’s quarters, the servants are ready and stand in place to shower blankets of flowers from trays.
Sanyo giggles, she exclaims, all of you people must fill up your trays with so many flowers that it should look like the Gods in heaven themselves are showering them with flowers from the sky, understand?
Yes.
All of you do it fast. By now the people must have left for Dhilli.
The entire floor of the palace has been decorated with “rangoli’ and flowers, and 1000’s of lamps are lit all around the palace. Many servants are busy working. Sanyo orders them all, she is so happy and enthusiastic, but she doesn’t know what has really happened.
Prithvi and Chand have already left for Dhilli. They both ride in two separate camel driven carts led by troops on foot carrying torches, through the night.
In Chand’s cart lies Pundir’s body. Prithvi who is traveling ahead of Chand, is with Arjun who rests on a cot, he is sleeping. Prithvi sits by his side and has his hand on his forehead. Chand sits alone staring into blank space with Pundir, a white sheet is covering his full body.
Prithvi sits with Arjun and watches him continuously, the camels ride on. Prithvi in front and Chand behind.
Arjun has woken up and slowly opens his eyes. Prithvi sees him. Arjun grins. Prithvi quickly shows his finger on his lips and goes, shhh! Prithvi holds his chin, don’t say anything, he whispers. He checks outside, we are about to reach home, he smiles at him.
Prithvi, we have won the war?
Yes.
Arjun is pleased, he can relax now.
We have won the war Arjun, Prithvi smiles at him.
I knew it.
Now don’t talk too much, and rest a while. Prithvi pats his head, we are about to reach Dhilli.
Yes…I will give up in Dhilli.
No Arjun, Prithvi is upset with his words. Nothing will happen to you understand. Nothing will happen to you.
Now, there is still some time friend. Arjun’s condition doesn’t look good he seems to be fading away. He looks as if he is losing hope. His eyes are closing. They travel ahead. Arjun moves his head a bit, he can see behind in the next cart. Arjun sees Chand sitting alone expressionless, something seems suspicious to him. Arjun is disturbed, Pundir? Where is Pundir?
Prithvi doesn’t respond.
Prithvi?
Prithvi hesitates to tell him the truth it may affect his health. He… He is resting in the caravan behind, Prithvi pats his head, you just don’t worry, Chand is with him. Nothing will happen to him, he is just a little…… Prithvi stops his sentence.
Arjun has figured it out and knows what he saw. He is lost in the image he saw earlier, Chand sitting alone expressionless, not communicating with anybody.
Prithvi again assures Arjun, nothing will happen to him.
I wish to see his dead body just once, Arjun says very slowly.
Arjun responds he is okay he slowly opens his eyes, huh Prithvi, friend…Yes Prithvi I have told you….
Chand is crying.
Prithvi holds his hand and nods listening carefully to him.
…. That I would take my last breath in my own Dhilli/Ajmer, there… Not in Kannauj, you forgot what I said, what?
Prithvi feels bad and holds his hand in his fist and cries.
Arjun lifts his hand and touches Prithvi’s head, Prithvi, this is not the time to shed tears. You quickly win the war and then head back home. There sister-in-law must have prepared a grand welcome for us, he smiles, he can barely speak.
Your sister-in-law will be the happiest to see you return victorious, Prithvi strokes his forehead.
In Dhilli at the palace ‘darbar’ servants decorate the floor with a carpet of flower petals, they arrange the lamps in a design. Sanyo is inspecting the work, she sees it and complains what is this you have used ordinary colours of petals as “rangoli”, you must use bright colour flowers instead, she mentions a “victory” kind of flower. I am sure that our “yodha” will return back victorious, she smiles.
Sanyo moves to another area and meets another servant, did you get any news of the war?
You just don’t worry about it Queen. As soon as I get any news of it, I will come directly to you and inform you about it.
Okay. Now it’s late at night you just tell them all to do the remaining preparations early morning.
The servant acknowledges it and says okay.
It is morning the sun is rising, at the Kannauj battlefield everybody is present and ready. Prithvi stands with Chand and his army. He has his shield this time and sword with him, all the Dhilli troops stand behind him in a row.
At the opposite end are Jaichand and his “Senapati” and his army standing behind them in a row also.
Prithvi keeps on remembering the same incident of Pundir hit with a spear, the thoughts don’t go away. He also has to abide with his oath, he cannot harm Jaichand in any way, he made a promise to Sanyo. Tears run down Prithvi’s cheek.
Jaichand looks above in the sky, the sun is on the verge of rising to the fullest. Few minutes later the horn is blown, morning has come, the signal for the battle to start.
Jaichand doesn’t waste time he raises his sword in the air and orders attack! “Senapati” raises his too and shouts attack, to the troops. In front are the archers kneeling in a row, ready to shoot the arrows, the other troops race to attack the Dhilli army.
Prithvi races forward and is the first to attack, he kills the first Kannauj troop that attacks him, attack! Prithvi runs fast to the other side. Jaichand watches. Both sides meet each other in the battlefield the fight starts. Hundreds of swords clash, Dhilli troops versus Kannauj army. Prithvi runs and knocks one troop down, then a second, he twirls around and kills another. Prithvi rams his sword into one more and another flips in the air. One troop attacks him in front, Prithvi stabs his body through and through, he is killed instantly, Prithvi is on a rampage.
Jaichand watches his men fall at the hands of Prithvi.
More troops enter the battlefield and surround Prithvi, he finishes another instantly. One more troop attacks Prithvi, he moves away and flings his sword on the enemy, he is down. Prithvi has left a trail of dead troops of Kannauj behind him.
Jaichand doesn’t realize Prithvi’s strength and underestimates him, he just stands and watches how Prithvi eliminates his men one by one.
Prithvi shields himself from another troop and pushes him away. Prithvi uses his sword and cuts one more attacking at his side. He thrashes his sword on another and pushes one more with his shield, thump! Prithvi jumps in the air, another troop with his sword is cut again. Prithvi still has the same image of Pundir in his mind, the way he lay dead in his arms with a spear lodged in his chest. The image of Pundir in his mind fuels his rage to constantly attack. Prithvi keeps on attacking his opponents, and the image of Pundir dying keeps on flashing back in his mind. Prithvi has the image of Arjun lying in the bed in his mind, he too has very less time left.
Jaichand is furious none of his troops are able to beat Prithvi and kill him. Prithvi walks ahead and attacks two troops at a time, he attacks one with his shield and other with his sword.
Prithvi remembers how his father was slayed. Prithvi twirls around and cuts two more troops with his sword using centrifugal force. Again the image of Sanjam being devoured by buzzards races in his mind. Prithvi had taken oath he would not allow anything to happen to his friends, but things didn’t turn out that way. One troop tries to attack him he ducks down and pushes him back. Another he fights with his shield, he pushes him away with it. Prithvi twirls around and cuts the leg of another troop who tries to attack him.
Jaichand is on guard he waits with some men. Prithvi is eliminating his men one by one, he nears Jaichand now. He watches Prithvi angrily.
Prithvi jumps into the air and kicks another troop away, he flips over. Prithvi looks around for more men to attack, he holds his shield and sword. Many dead or injured soldiers of Kannauj lay on the ground around him. Nobody left to attack him now, he flings the shield away into the air and looks at Jaichand.
The end of this fight will be decided by Prithviraj’s death! Jaichand shouts and points at him. Go! Eliminate him! Go!
Just understand Maharaj the end is coming, says one troop.
Prithvi bravely walks forward in the enemy’s direction few troops who are left proceed towards him. Two of the troops attack Prithvi, he ducks away from their swords. He instantly swings his sword on them and they are gone.
Jaichand watches Prithvi finish his last batch of troops.
Prithvi attacks two more running his way, and another he kills. Two more troops swing their words on him cling, clang, cling, clang, he pushes them backward. Prithvi then swings his sword on one of the troops throats and same on the other they are both knocked down dead.
Jaichand watches how Prithvi butchers them so easily like they were chickens. He looks at Prithvi, nobody is left to fight Prithvi except himself.
Prithvi looks at Jaichand and walks in front of him passing some troops on the ground. Jaichand gives him an angry look. Prithvi and Jaichand look at each other for a moment they both stand motionless. The fight starts between them, both raise their swords and strike. Prithvi tries to get Jaichand but he turns around and ducks, Prithvi tries to cut his neck but again he moves away. All the Kannauj troops lay dead or unconscious on the ground. Chand holds the shield in his hands and watches the fight. Both of them swing their swords and hit each other, cling, clang, and cling! Prithvi twirls around and screams AHHH! His sword is up and aimed at Jaichand’s left shoulder. But Prithvi halts his movement and keeps the sword steady on Jaichand’s body, he has lost his weapon. He remembers the promise he gave to Sanyo again, he is not permitted to harm him in any way. Prithvi looks at Jaichand angrily the sword still rests on his shoulder. Jaichand! My promise I gave Sanyo has saved you today! Before my burning anger slaughters that promise, you get out of here!.... Get out of my sight!... Go!... GO!
Jaichand is speechless he moves two steps behind, then he hesitatingly leaves the battlefield without giving a response, he doesn’t even challenge Prithvi or threaten him. Jaichand walks away silently.
Prithvi takes a deep breath and watches him leave. Prithvi sees that he has gone and turns away, he has won the battle, it is finally over. Prithvi takes his sword and stamps it into the ground, he kneels down on both knees and holds his sword vertically. Prithvi bows his head and screams ahhhhhhhhhhh! He bends his head backward, achhhhhhh! Ahhhhh! He faces the sky. Ahhhhhhh! Prithvi bends forward again the sword touches his head, he leans on it and cries, he has lost one friend and is on the verge of losing another, what did he gain? Prithvi screams to shake out the frustration and pain of the loss, inside.
In the Dhilli palace, Sanyo is in the bedroom she is very excited and happy, she rushes to the dressing table. On the table is a jewelry box. She opens the lid of the box. Sanyo can see a jewel in it, she removes the jewel and holds it in her hands. She recognizes it and laughs. Okay, my own symbol has reached here before I did, she giggles “bigde raize”.
Suddenly a servant comes rushing into the room, Maharani! Congratulations Maharani, congratulations!
The war is over Maharani, she smiles with the good news. Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan is victorious! Our Maharaj! Our Maharaj has won the war! The servant puts her hand on her chest.
Really? Sanyo holds her servants arms.
Yes!
But Sanyo is not happy, she removes her hand from the servant and gets serious all of a sudden. But is Maharaj Jaichand okay? Sanyo has her loyalty to her father.
Yes Maharani, Maharaj Jaichand is well.
Sanyo is so thrilled only because her father is not harmed, she covers her face and laughs with joy, she turns around and around in happiness and grabs the servant, she almost lost her balance.
You have told me such good news, says Sanyo, the servant smiles at her. Sanyo walks over to the dressing table and returns with an ornament, take this. But has everything been prepared for the welcome ceremony?
Yes Maharani.
Okay then, Sanyo is thrilled, you go, and I will come in few minutes.
Okay, the servant runs back to continue her work.
Sanyo is so happy she twirls around and around again, I knew that Prithvi, you would turn out the victor. I just knew it! She lifts some rose petals in the room and throws it up in the air and twirls around again stretching her arms out. The petals scatter and fall on her.
Simultaneously the situation at the other end is not happy. Everybody is at camp in Kannauj. The Dhilli troops spread garlands of marigold and rose petals on the body of Pundir, he still lays on the platform outside in the camp, all the troops are present around him. Prithvi returns from the battlefield and walks over to Pundir’s side. The troops finish their work and put the trays of flowers down, Pundir has been decorated with flowers. The troops move aside and give way to Prithvi. Prithvi looks at him and stands by the platform, he slowly squats down and looks at him. Prithvi lifts Pundir’s right arm gently and holds his hand. Prithvi looks at his face closely a lamp is lit by his head. Prithvi looks at his hands, we have won friend. He continues to look at him and pats his forehead, let’s go, we will go back home. Prithvi still holds Pundir’s hand, see how….. I won today, but lost everything. I don’t understand what it was…. What it was for you to go away so hurriedly? Prithvi cannot control his tears, I have lost, Pundir, he shakes his head and starts to cry, I have lost. Prithvi weeps on Pundir’s hands.
Chand returns and puts his hand on Prithvi’s shoulder and kneels down next to them both, he is sad.
Prithvi looks at Chand, is Arjun alright?
Chand doesn’t answer he just bows his head down and tries to avoid crying.
Prithvi lays Pundir’s arm down, gently, come we will return home.
Chand acknowledges him and cries.
Prithvi pats Pundir’s forehead as if to tell him they are returning back.
In the Dhilli palace Sanyo is happy, she is with her servants and takes a garland of jasmine and roses from a tray they show to her. She inspects it and says there are less pearls in it. Go and add more pearls in it for decoration she advises them. I have promised Arjun and Pundir that their welcome ceremony will be so grand, so grand, that even God will come and give them blessings, okay then, go. The servants leave.
Sanyo walks over to another servant in the “darbar”, what is the condition of the other preparations left outside?
Yes Maharani, the musicians, “Raj Sangeetkar” have gone outside the palace and taken seats in their positions, Maharani.
And has the flowers to shower for victory been arranged yet?
Yes Maharani, from the palace entrance to the Maharaja’s quarters, the servants are ready and stand in place to shower blankets of flowers from trays.
Sanyo giggles, she exclaims, all of you people must fill up your trays with so many flowers that it should look like the Gods in heaven themselves are showering them with flowers from the sky, understand?
Yes.
All of you do it fast. By now the people must have left for Dhilli.
The entire floor of the palace has been decorated with “rangoli’ and flowers, and 1000’s of lamps are lit all around the palace. Many servants are busy working. Sanyo orders them all, she is so happy and enthusiastic, but she doesn’t know what has really happened.
Prithvi and Chand have already left for Dhilli. They both ride in two separate camel driven carts led by troops on foot carrying torches, through the night.
In Chand’s cart lies Pundir’s body. Prithvi who is traveling ahead of Chand, is with Arjun who rests on a cot, he is sleeping. Prithvi sits by his side and has his hand on his forehead. Chand sits alone staring into blank space with Pundir, a white sheet is covering his full body.
Prithvi sits with Arjun and watches him continuously, the camels ride on. Prithvi in front and Chand behind.
Arjun has woken up and slowly opens his eyes. Prithvi sees him. Arjun grins. Prithvi quickly shows his finger on his lips and goes, shhh! Prithvi holds his chin, don’t say anything, he whispers. He checks outside, we are about to reach home, he smiles at him.
Prithvi, we have won the war?
Yes.
Arjun is pleased, he can relax now.
We have won the war Arjun, Prithvi smiles at him.
I knew it.
Now don’t talk too much, and rest a while. Prithvi pats his head, we are about to reach Dhilli.
Yes…I will give up in Dhilli.
No Arjun, Prithvi is upset with his words. Nothing will happen to you understand. Nothing will happen to you.
Now, there is still some time friend. Arjun’s condition doesn’t look good he seems to be fading away. He looks as if he is losing hope. His eyes are closing. They travel ahead. Arjun moves his head a bit, he can see behind in the next cart. Arjun sees Chand sitting alone expressionless, something seems suspicious to him. Arjun is disturbed, Pundir? Where is Pundir?
Prithvi doesn’t respond.
Prithvi?
Prithvi hesitates to tell him the truth it may affect his health. He… He is resting in the caravan behind, Prithvi pats his head, you just don’t worry, Chand is with him. Nothing will happen to him, he is just a little…… Prithvi stops his sentence.
Arjun has figured it out and knows what he saw. He is lost in the image he saw earlier, Chand sitting alone expressionless, not communicating with anybody.
Prithvi again assures Arjun, nothing will happen to him.
I wish to see his dead body just once, Arjun says very slowly.
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