Caught in the Act.

Shivaji was living in Bengaluru for many days, but he did not feel interested. Many new

things were coming to light, but he was also getting bored of those. Shivaji-Raje would remember Pune. he would imagine the 'Mavale' coming at the 'Shivapur' mansion. But who could he tell?

After bathing, Shivaji one morning went to visit his father. But Shahaji-Raje was not in his chambers. After asking around, his father is outside the mansion, he learned. he went outside. His steps came to a stop at the door of the mansion.

Two horses were standing in the open field outside. Lord Raje was looking at both horses. Doji, Sambhaji, etc. were also around. Lord Raje said after seeing Shivaji.

"Come, Raje!"

Shivba went and touched his feet. Looking at Pant, Shahaji-Raje said.

"Let's have Young Raje take the test. Shivba, what's the animal at the right? do tell."

Both horses were similar, of the same height, and as white as snow. Shivaji-Raje was moving around the horses like an expert. Everyone was looking at Shivaji-Raje with admiration. they were observing his dignified image.

He went towards the horse on the right side, while he was moving his hands below the horse's lips Shahaji-Raje said.

"Ha, Raje, it will bite!"

"He will not bite, he's a good horse!"

Mohammad who had come to assess the horses was surprised, he said,

"Al Ham Dulillah! age is lower, but knowledge so much!"

"Raje, what's wrong with that horse?"

"There are shackles on the legs, the forehead looks tense. Who knows when he will be pissed?" Raje replied.

"Pant, how did Raje gain this knowledge?"

"He's always at the stables, he likes horses very much."

"That's a good sign. There's our Shambhu-Raje, he is excellent in Sanskrit, he can write Sanskrit literature, He takes part in Sanskrit Scripture debates; But he does not have skills like these. All his been molded as an intellectual because of The Priest."

Sambhaji-Raje blushed, pulling Shivaji-Raje near him Shahaji said,

"Raje, I am very pleased with your horse assessment. If you like this horse, then have him for yourself. When I go to the stable, I often say this Shloka... Raje, do you know Sanskrit?"

(Note - 'Shloka' is short 2-4 line Sanskrit verses in which lessons of Morality, good behavior, and Wisdom are given.)

"Yes, a little."

"Good! I will speak, always remember this Shloka :

Yasyashva Tasya Rajyam, Yasyashva Tasya Medini ||

Yasyashva Tasya Saukhyam, Yasyashva Tasya Samrajyam ||

"Do you remember? if not, then let's memorize it. Raje! only those who have this privilege will prevail, and only their rule will be eternal, never forget this." And he turned towards Pant and said, "Pant, today evening, tell them to cleanse any bad intentions that might have gotten on him. Who knows, maybe I myself have cursed him unintentionally."

(Note - It was a superstition at that time, that if you praise someone too much then you might unintentionally curse them instead, so to make this right they used to do some minor Hindu Prayers and Rituals.)

At night, little Ekoji also made a request to Tuka-bai for a horse. Bringing Ekoji near her she said as she looked at Jija-bai.

"Raje, how will you get a steed? Shivaji-Raje is more favored, and you are the youngest. no horse in your fate."

Those words cut like a knife, but Jija-bai said nothing.

Dinner was done at night. Jija-bai came into the palace. Shivaji and Sambhaji's beds were empty. It was deep in the night. And after dinner, where did the kids go, everybody was wondering. Jija-bai sent some servants to find them. When both of them came, Shivaji-Raje was acting like a little thief, hiding his gaze. Jijau asked,

"At the hall of entertainment where dance and music performance is going on, Both Lords were there."

"Entertainment Hall!?" Jija-bai exclaimed.

"Not inside; they were peeking from the outside."

"You may leave."

Servant left. Jija-bai moved her gaze over both boys. She asked with a strict tone.

"Raje, is this true?"

Shivba did not say anything.

"By who's permission did you go, Raje? have I not told you to not go towards the outer square at night?"

Shivaji's face became pale. he said in a weeping tone,

"Lord Brother said. Come, let us see something fun."

"And you... went to... see that? and that too like some thieves?"

Hearing the soaring voice, Tuka-bai came in. Shivaji was crying. taking him in her arms he said,

"Raani saheb¹, what if they went to see some entertainment? if not the Lord's children, then whose children should?"

"Bai, I request you even if you are younger, do not interfere in this!"

- and she snatched Shivaji to her side.

"Why so angry about such small things? this much is fine."

"You may think so, but I will not allow this. The child will go strayed."

Tuka-bai also became angry, she said, "Is that so! Lady Jija, if you care so much then instead of hitting them why don't you tell this to Swari?"

"It must be told!" Jijabai said firmly, "Grown-ups should know how to behave in a household in which children are being raised!"

Tuka-bai left in anger. Shivaji fell asleep while sobbing, but Jija-bai did not wipe his eyes.

The next day, Tuka-bai was waiting for the opportunity to raise the topic, which she got in the evening. Lord Raje came to the palace. Jija-bai, Tuka-bai, Ekoji, Sambhaji, Shivaji Everyone was there. While speaking, Shahaji-Raje said.

"I almost forgot, did someone do the cleansing ritual yesterday?"

"Big Raani Saheb herself did it."

"I did not understand," Shahaji-Raje said with a smile.

"Raani-saheb did not like how things are here. She thinks that Shivaji-Raje will go stray in these surroundings."

"Who said so?"

"Raani-saheb herself said, If Shivaji-Raje were to stay here then our habits should be changed here, she says."

"oh?" Shahaji-Raje said with a stern expression.

"Shivaji-Raje was listening to music in the Entertainment hall."

"Then?"

"She insists that it should be stopped."

"Is this true" resting his gaze on Jijau, Shahaji-Raje said.

Jija-bai did not speak. Tuka-bai was looking victoriously. Shahaji-Raje stood and as he was leaving he said,

"It's not possible to change our habits! and it is not the age for it either. If Raani Saheb thinks that Shivaji-Raje will go stray in this environment, then she may leave with him as she wishes."

Lord Raje left, and Jija-bai brushed her eyes with the hem of her sari. Tuka-bai said,

"See, bai. You had said to tell."

Jija-bai thought a lot. She could see Tuka-bai's increasing sour behavior. Instead of waiting for something unthinkable to happen she decided it was better to take a step back.

One day with a heavy heart, she told her decision to Shivaji.

Shivaji-Raje will return to Pune had spread in the mansion. Shahaji-Raje had grown closer to Shivaji in the past one and one-half years. He would be with Shivaji as much as possible. When one-morning Shivaji-Raje had gone to Shahaji-Raje to touch his feet Lord Raje said.

"Raje, you will now return to Pune, will you remember your father?"

"Abasaheb," said Shivaji as he hugged his father.

"Ha Ha! Raje! do men cry?" Shahaji-Raje's throat was heavy and that's why his voice came off faint. Dadoji was looking at this from the side.

Shahaji-Raje said,

"Dadoji, I will soon visit Pune."

"Will you truly?" Shivba said delightedly.

"Truly, Now you are also a Liege! If you order I will surely come!"

"It's not my territory." Shivaji said.

"Then who's is it?"

"Yours"

"Raje!" Dadoji alarmed.

Shivaji-Raje became startled, what did he say wrong? he could not understand.

Sambhaji-Raje said while bringing Shivaji near.

"Dadoji, Raje is right. Love is not something that can happen just because of familial ties. Pant, we give the children a horse to play with, a gun, a sword, why? so that they are prepared...no? then if a Lord is to be prepared, isn't there a need for a territory? Pant, I had already transferred the 36 Villages from my territory to Shivaji-Raje's name. But from now instead of having the name just on paper, let it be authorized officially. Have his name's signature stamped on the documents. Raje, if you can keep this dominion well, then the Pune territory is yours!"

Pant said, "Raje! say your thanks! your fate is great that you have such a father. My fate is great, that's why I had the opportunity to see this."

Shivba rested his forehead on Shshaji-Raje's feet. Caressing him in his embrace Shahaji-Raje said to Pant.

"Pant, this child has created a quandary. When he leaves tomorrow, I will be so bored. You have raised him well. You have resolved my old age's dilemma." Pant's eyes moistened, and he cleared his eyes with a cloth.

The next day, a report was made about Shahaji-Raje's territory. He specially sent his trustworthy people with Shivaji-Raje. Shamrao Neelkanth as the Peshwa. Naro-Pant Dixit's cousin Balkrushna-Pant as the minister. Dadoji was appointed as the Deputy Minister.

Shivaji-Raje's return trip preparation was going on steadily. Jija-bai asked Shahaji-Raje patiently.

"May I take Sambhaji with me for a few days?"

"No! Raani Saheb, Sambhaji was raised in our surroundings, he has settled well here, he will stay here!"

"When will your anger subside? In anger....!"

"I am not speaking in anger, I also understand your thought. that's why I allowed Shivaji-Raje to leave. I am very glad after seeing him. I will raise Shambhu-Raje and you can raise Shivaji-Raje." And with a smile looking at Jija-bai he said, "Let's see who will be greater!"

The day for departure arrived. Jija-bai bid everyone farewell with teary eyes. As soon as Shivaji-Raje touched his feet, Shahaji-Raje hugged him dearly. he kissed Shivaji's forehead, and he said to Dadoji.

"Pant, take care of Raje. Raise him. I hand my fortune over to you with trust. Protect him at all costs."

Outside the town, Sambhaji-Raje went to escort until the first stay. The next morning, Jija-bai with the caravan left for Pune's direction. Sambhaji went back towards Bengaluru with the cavalry.

1 - (Raani saheb is like saying 'Your highness' however it can be used between two noble family members in this context. it won't sound distant.

But 'Your Highness' is used for royalty, so I used the word from my language as it is. well I can use 'your grace' but I don't think that's something family members would say to each other, gimme me some suggestions.)

2 - I often mention 'Palace' it's hard to say... Indian 'Mansions' were like mini-palaces. And the chambers for the family members were too big and prestigious to be just called rooms... like they had their separate building, corridors, and stuff... so they were not far from any palace... that's why when I say 'Palace' just assume that I'm speaking about their residence.

3 - ok, this is kinda got a bit late to address but when I say 'Pant', it's not what you pronounce... it's pronounced very differently in the Marathi Language. and I honestly can't find words to express how to do it...

I will just try vaguely, the 'a' in it is pronounced differently, a bit short and silent, kinda like 'uh' but no h in it.

Just so you know what it means, It's used after a male's name... it's kinda like an honorific.

'Pant', 'Rao', and 'Raje' are all honorific.