After arriving at the Shahaji-raje's Pune territory with Shivaji, Dadoji began to give more attention towards governance. allotted money for the colonies, selected sites for constructions, Villages like 'Shivapur' 'Shahapur' began taking form. Mango tree's fields were being raised. Help was provided to families which wanted to settle in. The mansion was always filled with people. Ladies used to come to Jija-bai and her eyes would moisten every time she heard of their hardship.
Little Shivaji was watching all this. he was observing the constant changes happening in his territory. He would always be present when someone came to the mansion in regard to disputes. While seeing all this his education was processing with The priest. Dadoji had invited shooter, Shieldmen and swordsmen for Shivaji.
Different athletic sports were played at the mansion's square in the evening. Soldier's children would participate with fervor.
One day Pant came in and notified that Mudhoji-rao Nimbalkar has come. Nimbalkar was an old compatriot. Jija-bai had heard that Bijapurkar had confiscated his territory and he was in captivity at Satara. Jija-bai met him, he had his son Bajaji and daughter Sai-bai with him.
Bajaji bowed after Mudhoji. Sai-bai touched the feet. bringing her close Jija-bai asked,
"When did you arrive?"
"Captivity was ended by the grace of Shahaji-raje. Faltan territory got back as it was. We came to visit after establishing everything in the territory."
"It's good that you've come, everything is new here. It's better to have experienced folks like yourself. It provides good support."
"Your ladyship, you have rebuild the Pune city. The whole of Maval has been decorated with people. Have you not done enough?"
(Note - The whole Pune district region was called 'Maval' by the locals, and the people who lived there were called 'Mavale'. keep this word in mind it will come often.)
"What could I have done? it's that capable folks like Dadoji were here thats why it became possible."
Pointing at Sai, changing the topic Jija-bai asked,
"What's her name?"
"Sai-bai... and here is my son Bajaji."
Seven-eight year's old Sai was looking at Jija-bai with her large eyes. Her skin was tan and yet the sweetness of her image could be seen. Sharp nose, fluid lips, elegant black eyes, long neck... were complimenting her face's beauty.
Jija-bai insisted Nimbalkar to stay for few more days. Mudhoji stayed in Pune. Sai would stay with Jija-bai like a shadow.
athletic sports was being played at the mansion's front square in the evening. Pant was watching. The stick broke and Shivaji picked the sword. a master came in with a sword. the match started. 'Khn, Khn' sound began ringing. Sai who was watching while leaning on the pillar came in. Inside Jija-bai sitting. Mudhoji Nimbalkar was sitting on the ground. Sai-bai bowed towards his ear. Mudhoji said,
"Later~"
"Please come, aba!" Sai said, puffing her cheeks.
"I told you that don't speak in the middle"
"What do you say, Sai?" Jija-bai asked.
Sai-bai promptly ran towards Jija-bai, she said,
"Milady, see? they're playing sport outside but aba isn't going to watch."
"This child is so worrisome." Mudhoji said.
"let's go, Mudhoji! I too will come to watch, i didn't have the time for a long time"
Jija-bai stood up, Mudhoji had to as well. Sai came outside while holding Jijau's hand. Dadoji stood up seeing the lady. Everyone present bowed and stepped aside. Jijau sat down. Dadoji, Mudhoji sat at the side respectfully. Four pairs of swords were playing at the square. Jija-bai asked as soon as the swordmaster bowed.
"Master Nanu, what new have you taught our young Raje?"
Nanu was old, but his dried-up bones still had the aura.
"Milady, let me show you."
Nanu informed. The square got empty. Nanu said,
"Raje, pick up the stick."
picked up the stick, Raje began swiveling the stick. simple, sideways, clockwise. he demonstrated all the types. The sound of cutting air could be heart when he was whirling. After three repetitions Nanu picked a stick and said as he stood in front of Shivaji.
"Careful, Raje! otherwise, you will bump your head like the last time."
Everyone laughed. After doing namaste Nanu spit on his hands and gripped the stick, young raje followed.
"Raje, begin!"
Raje raised the stick, Shivaji was making strikes, Nanu was blocking them with his stick. he was backing off. 'Kht' 'Kht' noise was ringing. Everyone was looking with interest. suddenly Nanu yelled.
"Raje, careful!"
- and Nanu began the attack, raje parried his strikes. Jija-bai's eyes went wide with fear. Nanu was moving with speed. raje was getting pushed back.... and the stick slipped from his hands. Nanu looked at the lady, Jijau sighed with relief. she said.
"Nanu, take it easy. you're playing with a child, you seem to have forgotten."
"No, Milady. age does not matter In this game. whoever's strike landed is the winner. Raje's hands are not tough enough yet."
At that moment, Banana's bunch was brought in. a spear was handed to Shivaji, it was one and half the size of his height. long and thick silk cloth was joined at the handle, shivaji wrapped the cloth around his hand as he was standing straight. Nanu said,
"Raje, Begin!"
With big strides raje came eight distances away from the Banana's bunch. he threw the spear with all his might at the banana's stack. the spear flew spliting the air and struck the banana's stack. Shivaji pulled the cloth and the spear flew back in his hands. seeing this Mudhoji shouted.
"waah! raje!"
Sai-bai was looking at all this at Jija-bai's side with curiosity and intrest."
Bananas were moved from the square; and another two bunches were brought in. Both bunches were in front of Jija-bai's sitting arrangements at the distance of ten hands. Shivaji-raje put on the bending sword/belt called 'Patta' on his hands. He gripped the handle and began a demonstration with great skill, but he was not satisfied. He observed the surroundings with sharp eyes. he grasped the distance by guess. After going all over the square he bent one knee. Right hand's Patta was straight. left hand's Patta was extended. He was looking downwards. he was bowing to Jija-bai. he looked, when he saw that his mother had accepted his salute with a smile. his gaze turned towards Dadoji. he also nodded. Young raje stood up. he started rotating his wrist. he was standing between the both Banana's bunches. he gauged the distance and in a blind of an eye struck the bananas with extreme speed. he bowed again.
both bunches were standing straight as it is. Sai-bai laughed abruptly. Jija-bai looked towards Sai-bai. she said.
"Master Nanu! show our Sai-bai; What raje has done."
Master Nanu came forward. both bunches broke in the middle when he pushed. they were cut at the same place. seeing the torn bananas Sai-bai's eyes went side with surprise. she exclaimed,
"Oh my!" and she brought the hem of her sari in front of her mouth.
everyone laughed, bringing close the embarrassed Sai. Jija-bai said,
"Sai, will you be okay with him as a husband?"
Sai-bai looked at Jija-bai, the next moment while looking at Shivaji who was taking off the Patta's she spoke to Jija-bai loudly.
"Yes!"
The color of Jija-bai's changed with surprise. not expecting such a direct reply she said.
"hoo, you rascal! Is that how you should reply?.... 'Yes' she says."
Everyone forgot the presence of Jija-bai and laughter echoed in the square. Dadoji said after it ceased,
"Milady, i have a request."
"What is it. Dadoji?"
"Now that the topic has come. If there are no objections, then do confirm the marraige. Raje will soon be ten years old, and the pair is suitable as well."
"Master Nanu, what do you think?"
"It is true, let it happen now. everything is done... The mansion, the city, the education. The house has no grace without a Daughter-in-law.. yes? let's do it this time!"
"Yes, but ask lord Nimbalkar first, daughter is his afterall."
"Do not use such words, Milady! the daughter is yours. my life was saved because of Raje, the territory was returned as well, if you accept this daughter, then the debt until today will only increase."
"Then let it happen if Goddess Jagadamba wills it... Dadoji!"
"Ji"
"Decide on a good date and send word to Bengaluru, let everyone know my wish. We will have it done once the reply comes from there."
Jijau stood up. Sai said,
"do we leave this early?"
Jijau laughed. she said teasingly.
"All that you have done in one meeting... was not enough? let us go, there is a lot of work to do."
Everyone bowed. Jijau went inside with Sai-bai. With moist eyelashes Mudhoji-rao sat down again in satisfaction.
The next day at the onset of noon two horsemen left Red Palace towards Bengluru. Two days later, Mudhoji-rao went to Faltan with Sai-Bajaji.
Days went by. Everyone was waiting for the reply from Bengaluru.
The reply came in Pune from Bengaluru. Dadoji touched the scroll to his forehead as a show of respect. his happiness couldn't be kept hidden as he was reading the massage. Jija-bai asked patiently,
"What is the order?"
"The Lord approves of this marriage, and not only this; but spend money as freely as we wish has been ordered. we are to inform after the date is fixed. The Lord will attend the marriage."
Everything was quickly being organized. Mudhoji-Rao with his family came from Faltan. There was just one doubt, which was resolved... Shivaji-Saibai's Horoscopes matched. The Priest sat down to fix a good date. 16 May, 1640 was decided for the wedding.
Shahaji-raje was informed the date.
Pant had no time to waste. Different artists were invited from Kokan. Grainary, Warehouse for clothes and more were being filled. Accountants were keeping records of each and every expense.
Seeing the preparations Jija-bai said.
"Pant, how much are you doing? it's fine if the marriage is manageable."
Pant looked at Jijau. he said, "Milady, we can't have restraints on the expenses for this marriage. The territory has been rebuilt newly, we will not get people's favor only by asking for help. How can we waste this opportunity? People will gather for the occasion. Their hearts will become softer. The base of the territory will be strengthened.
Jijau was convinced. She did not hesitate anymore. Mudhoji also only recently came to the territory. he was worried about how such a big event will be organized. he had come to Pune after arranging the primary things for marriage in Fultun.
"Your Ladyship, it is a tradition that marriage is to be held at the bride's family. it is my request that the marriage should be held at Faltan." Mudhoji requested.
Jijau said, "sir, do you still think of us as outsiders? who's home is this? is it not you're as well? My senior Mother-in-law is from Faltan..no? Raje has rebuilt Pune. it will be better if the marriage Is held here."
"As your wish. but, Milady. there's another thing if you don't mind."
"What is it?"
"The place has been decided, the date is also fixed. but we haven't discussed the give-take yet."
"Give-take is done in a deal, sir! this is a relation of blood! you're giving your daughter, what's more is there to take? you may give whatever you wish as a formality."
Jijau said with a laugh, "What's more for giving are blessings. after all, the marriages are happy based on blessings. so, give your blessings and other things are not needed."
"But, what will The Lord say?"
"no one will blame you from this side, if asked then say my name."
Mudhoji-rao had no words to utter. he said emotionally,
"Milady, you have accepted my daughter and have done great favor that will last seven births. Please have us do something helpful for the wedding."
"Will do! surely, sir. do not come with limited people with the marital procession. Your Folks... subjects, invite everyone. let me have the joy to have the whole of Faltan here."
There was no falsehood in what Jija-bai said. The preparations were on a large scale. Every palace was decorated with various colours. The kitchen was moved to the Marquee tent. Different types of snacks were being made. Patil gave his mansion happily to be used as a guesthouse. stacks of Bamboo and other stuff for the marquee were placed. The cloth of the tent, curtains, net curtains. and prestigious chandeliers were being filled in the storehouses. Ornaments were carefully and masterfully being crafted by the Goldsmiths in their workhouse with the supervision of Dadoji. Pearls, diamonds, ruby, and Safire were having their own feast. The time was not enough. Uma-bai, Lakshmi-bai came to offer help to Jija-bai. the load on Jija-bai decreased.
Suddenly massage came from Bijapur that Shahji-raje will not be able attend the wedding. he was engaged in an expedition. Dadoji was ordered to go on with the wedding. Everyone felt sad because Shahaji-raje was not coming. Jija-was feeling terrible. Uma-bai said.
"I thought so, he always acts like this. he was little, that's why at least he couldn't slip away from his marriage. So what if he doesn't come?"
Shahaji-raje will not come, that means Sambhaji will also not come. It had been a lot of time since she saw Sambhaji. Eleven years had passed by. Jijau had picked clothes for Sambhaji. Jewels were crafted for him. Everything was left as it is. Suppressing this sorrow in her heart Jijau again got busy with the wedding arrangements.
The festivities began after offerings were given to the Five Gods. Tents everywhere began to be decorated. Pillars were standing tall. Logs were placed in the ground. The curtains, net curtains and Silk cloth ceiling was dancing in the wild.
Mudhoji-Rao's procession entered Pune with enthusiasm. The lanes of bullock wagons began heading towards Pune from Khed. Who would miss such a festival? Pune was filled with the sound of Bullock wagons are horse tapping. The places for residence were filled; so people began to camp on their wagons. Thousands were having meals everyday.
Lakshmi-bai was working without rest. If Jija-bai objected she would say,
"You have a rest, if anything is left out then do tell."
The fated day arrived. The courtyard of Red Palace was filled with people. Ceremonial chants of marriage began echoing. And Thousands of people threw rice grains toward the couple and gave blessings. The sound of Instruments boomed.
Shivaji returned to the mansion from the Marquee tent. A dot of red mark on his forehead. he was wearing Silk Angarkha. A sword on the wiest. Sai-bai was walking behind. both were adorned with different jewels and ornaments. The knot between their shawls was dangling in the air. Shivaji came inside. both touched the feet of Uma-bai. She welcomed both by circulating a silver plate in front of them containing a Diya and some other things necessary for the ritual, showered with coins, after getting the blessings they both came at the main entrance. Shivaji touched his forehead on Dadoji's feet as a show of respect. Dadoji was trembling with emotion. he simply caressed Shivaji without a word."
The procession of the couple on the horse was ready. Adorned with gold, a gorgeous horse came forward. Sai-bai said.
"I will sit on the horse."
"The horse has been brought for you both."
"Umm-hmm, I want another horse, I can ride a horse too!"
Everyone was stunned. They could barely hold their laughter. Jija-bai said.
"What's with this? This is a procession! I will give you a horse later."
The procession began with the glow of hundreds of lanterns and torches. in front Dadoji, Mudhoji, Hanumante, Priest, Korade, etc, were walking. in front of them. Dandpatta Swordplay, Lezim was being performed. in front of them a group of Vaajantree Players were going. The procession was going with an ant's speed. Sai would wake up startled by the noise of firecrackers. she was sleepy; Water was applied on her eyes so that she wouldn't fall asleep. It was the morning when the procession returned to the mansion from the temple. Sai-bai was woken up completely.
The Goddess of the house - Lakshmi, finally crossed the doorstep of the Jadhav Household while spilling the bronze container filled with grains. The Grains were scattered inside the door.