Lhalarde's Brave Journey
Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, lived a noble man named Thakur Ari Singh. He was a revered figure, known far and wide for his wisdom and courage. But as old age took its toll, Thakur Ari Singh lay on his deathbed, surrounded by his family and friends. His only daughter, Lhalarde, stood beside him, her face a mask of determination and sorrow.
The atmosphere was heavy with tension, for everyone knew that Thakur Ari Singh's time was drawing near. As was the custom, everyone awaited to hear his final wishes. With a flicker of light in his eyes and a soft smile, Thakur Ari Singh spoke, "I have lived a full life, with many wishes fulfilled. Yet, two remain unfulfilled that I still cherish."
The room fell silent as everyone leaned in, eager to hear what these final wishes might be. Thakur Ari Singh continued, "My first wish is for horses from Gujarat. My second wish is to hear the folk-song of Rajasthan called Todarmal."
The folk-song Todarmal was a traditional welcome song sung for a bridegroom when he returned home with his bride. It was a cherished melody, symbolic of joy and celebration.
Lhalarde, though heartbroken, listened intently. She knew that fulfilling her father's wishes would be no easy task. The relatives, eager to honor Thakur Ari Singh, suggested that if he adopted a son before dying, perhaps it could fulfill the second wish of hearing Todarmal. But fetching horses from Gujarat seemed impossible.
With a deep breath and unwavering resolve, Lhalarde spoke up, “I will fulfill both of his wishes.” Her voice was steady, though her heart was heavy with the weight of the promise she had just made.
Thakur Ari Singh's face relaxed into a peaceful smile. With a final sigh, he closed his eyes, leaving the world behind in the hope that his daughter would accomplish what he had asked.
After performing all the last rites, Lhalarde set out to fulfill her father's final wishes. She disguised herself as a young man, donned a cloak, and set off on a horse towards Gujarat. Her heart was set on the journey, and her determination was unshakable.
On her way to Gujarat, she encountered a Rajput warrior and his barber. The Rajput warrior, also heading to Gujarat to achieve the same goal, proposed that they join forces, given their shared objective. Lhalarde agreed, and together they continued their journey.
Upon reaching Gujarat, they arrived at a large tank where the king's prized horses were grazing freely. A drum was placed nearby, and it was said that anyone wishing to take the horses must beat the drum. The king’s soldiers would then come to defend the horses. Only those who proved their bravery could take the horses they desired.
Lhalarde, the Rajput warrior, and the barber devised a plan. Lhalarde would beat the drum and face the soldiers alone, while the Rajput warrior and the barber would seize the opportunity to gather the horses.
With a determined heart, Lhalarde approached the drum and struck it with force. The sound echoed across the land, summoning the king’s soldiers. When they arrived, they found only Lhalarde, who was in her disguise as a young man.
The commander of the soldiers scoffed, “You stand alone. We do not fight a single person.”
Lhalarde, with a confident grin, replied, “You may fight me one at a time, if you wish. Or, if you prefer, I will make a challenge. I will plant my lance into the ground. If any one of you can pull it out, I will accept defeat.”
The challenge was accepted, and Lhalarde hurled the lance into the earth. Despite their efforts, neither the soldiers nor their commander could pull it out. Lhalarde’s strength and resolve won the day, and she was free to select the horses she desired.
After successfully obtaining the horses, Lhalarde reunited with the Rajput warrior. They agreed to share the horses equally, but an odd number meant one horse remained. The Rajput warrior insisted that Lhalarde keep the extra horse, but she refused. With a swift stroke of her sword, she cut the horse in two, demonstrating her unwavering commitment.
As the barber watched, he realized that Lhalarde was actually a young woman in disguise. He whispered this revelation to the Rajput warrior. Impressed by her bravery and determination, the Rajput warrior admired her even more. He offered his proposal of marriage, but Lhalarde had a condition.
She explained, “I will marry you, but you must agree to my condition. You will dress as a bride and come to my home as a bridegroom. Only then will I be able to fulfill my father’s wish of having Todarmal sung at my home.”
The Rajput warrior, although initially hesitant, saw the honor in marrying such a courageous woman. With the barber’s encouragement, he accepted the condition.
The wedding took place with great festivity. The Rajput warrior, dressed in bridal attire, arrived at Lhalarde’s home. The villagers, astonished by the sight, celebrated joyfully. The traditional folk-song Todarmal was sung, and Lhalarde’s father’s final wish was fulfilled.
Years passed, and Lhalarde and the Rajput warrior lived happily together. They had two sons who grew up to be strong and brave. One day, the boys returned home with a lion, having caught it by its ear. Their father, witnessing their bravery, knew that accepting Lhalarde’s condition had been the right decision.
Thus, through courage, determination, and a touch of tradition, Lhalarde not only honored her father’s wishes but also ensured that her family’s legacy of bravery and honor continued for generations to come. And so, the tale of Lhalarde's brave journey became a cherished story in the annals of Rajasthan, inspiring many with its spirit and valor.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top