Monsoon ended; winter came. And Shahaji-Raje ordered Dadoji to come to Bengaluru with Shivaji and Jija-bai.
Preparations began. Sai-bai was brought to Faltan because the journey was long. The cavalry became ready. Palanquins were adorned. Horsemen left to prepare the stays throughout the journey. Tents were sent.
Will be able to see and meet his father, that's why Shivaba was very happy. Jija-bai's fervor had no limits. With her Husband, she would also meet Sambhaji. Pant was worried about the territory. He gave the responsibility to a trustworthy person called Narhelkar. Dadoji had also brought Shahaji-Raje's treasury with the convoy.
In a Grandious fashion, one day the convoy left towards Bengaluru. Shivaba was observing different people throughout the long journey. People's clothing and language were changing with the distance. New birds could be seen. Wild animals were sighted while traveling through the forest. Young Shivaji was stunned by seeing the Mountains of Karnataka Adorned with huge rocks. Forgetting wind and cold, he was seeing all of this. His young mind was getting influenced by the new region.
While being at the final stay, the news of Jija-bai's arrival went to Bengaluru.
The next morning Shivaji entered through Bengaluru's entrance. Adored with highly secured Rampart, Adil Sultanate's flag was fluttering on the sturdy gate. Strong cannons were on the Battlements on both sides. Sambhaji-Raje was standing for the welcome. Seeing from afar Dadoji gave him a gesture. Both got on the ground. Shivaba came forward and saluted. Shambhu-Raje embraced him lovingly and said.
"Shivaba, I was waiting for you. Lord Raje has been restless in wait for the past two days."
Palanquin reached. Shambhu-Raje came forward. The curtains were moved away. Jija-bai was looking at Shambhu-Raje with surprise. tight trousers, Maratha Turban, A sword on the waist. That was the image of Shambhu-Raje. His face was similar to his father's, slight facial hair had appeared on his face. A wide symbol of Lord Shiva was on his fair forehead. He bowed and touched Jija-bai's feet. She lost patience and quickly pulled Sambhaji into her embrace, and she kissed him." getting himself out of that embrace he said.
"Lord Raje is waiting inside."
Sambhaji, Shivaji, and Dadoji rode again; and the group began heading into Bengaluru. Tall mansions and bangalos on both sides, with intricate carvings on their walls, everything was unique, it was stunning.
The existence of the mansion could be felt without even looking. Shivaji's gaze couldn't move away after he saw the mansion. Horses were moving at a slow speed. There was an open field in front of the mansion. Two guards with the same carmine-colored uniform were standing straight with great discipline at the mansion's gate. Raging spears were looking promising in their hands. Shivaji and Sambhaji went inside the gates. Shivaji brought both his legs to one side and giving a push from both his hands from the horse's back he swiftly jumped on the ground. Shivaji came at the stairs, he looked up at the doorway of the mansion, a Tall and sturdy person was standing there. His hair was hanging over his neck. His long and extensive beard was giving an air of intimidation. Sambhaji jabbed Shivaji slightly; and he gave a salute. But Shivaji did not bow to salute. He walked up the stairs seeing his father's visage. at the doorway of the mansion, rice was showered over Shivaji. Water was spilled over the feet. eyes were washed with water. Sambhaji was looking at Shivaji with surprise. Shahaji-Raje said.
"Welcome, Raje!"
Shivaji-Raje came forward. he kneeled after reaching to his father. he rested his forehead at his father's feet. With great love Shahaji-Raje made Shivaji stand up; caressed, he said.
"Dadoji! it seems our young Raje hasn't learned to salute yet?"
"I know how to salute, Father! but mother has said to kowtow."
"is that so!... and raje, you have come riding on a big horse? why didn't you take the small one? isn't it hard to ride on a big horse?"
With the same conviction, Shivaji-Raje said. "is it, Father? one only needs sturdy thighs to ride a horse."
"Waah! Raje!"
The Palanquin came at the door at that moment. Everyone stepped aside. Ladies came forward. Jija-bai entered the mansion. The mansion was bigger than it looked from the outside. Jija-bai came at the second square; and Tuka-bai came forward. she touched Jija-bai's feet.
"Younger sister, there was no need for this."
"Your's position is higher. by the way, how did you recognize me?"
"How can it be that I won't recognize the Lakshmi of the household?... but where is little raje? I want to see him!"
( TL Note - 'Lakshmi' is Hindu goddess of prosperity and fortune, it is believed that every women of the household is the 'Lakshmi' of the house. Lakshmi is also used as a name for females.)
Ekoji came with Sambhaji-Shivaji, after seeing Jija-bai Ekoji touched her feet. Tuka-bai said.
"The family is whole again after so many years!"
"The twelve years of exile has ended, it seems." Jija said with a smile.
( It's a story in Indian Scripture 'Ramayana' in which Prince Ram is exiled with his wife by his father the king who was forced to keep his word to his second wife that he would fulfill her any one wish for saving his life on the battlefield.)
For the first two-four days, Shivaji had no idea where he was going. The mansion had many palaces, Main halls, guestrooms, and meeting rooms. Intricate designs and carvings could be seen on the teanwood pillars, walls, and ceilings. Hundreds of people were bustling in that mansion; but, how quiet everyone was! separate kitchen for veg and non-veg was behind the mansion. At one kitchen, The bustling bramhins who wore saffron and would mutter chants could be seen, and in the other kitchen preparations for the food was going on. At night, midnight if one woke up, the musical notes and bells would ring in ears coming from the square's hall. As if roaming in the dreamland, Shivaji was roaming in the mansion.
One day at two in the noon Shivaji went to Shahaji-Raje's palace. Shahji-Raje was sitting on a sofa. seeing Shivaji-Raje, Shahaji-Raje said.
"Come in, Raje!"
Shivaji-Raje moved near. he said abruptly,
"Father!" Realizing the mistake he hastily said, "Lord Raje!"
Shahaji-Raje pulled him near, he said,
"Raje, others may address me as 'Lord Raje', but you can just call me 'Abasaheb' from now on"
(TL Note - 'Aba' means 'father' and 'Saheb' means 'Lord' or 'Sir' / or it can be also used for someone who is of higher status depending on the context. so you can take it 'Abasaheb' as 'Lord Father'... abasaheb in the Marathi language doesn't sound distant so I'm gonna use this term from now on, keep that in mind.)
Shivaba laughed, Shahaji-Raje said.
"Why did you come, Raje?"
"Lord Raje, may I go to see Bengaluru?"
"Who else is going?"
"Lord brother, and little raje."
"And the middle one came to ask for permission! Fine. Take some horsemen with you. Pant, prepare for them to leave. and come back before sunset."