Chapter 13: Nizam of Hyderabad 2
Raj and his escort travelled for several days, crossing the rivers, forests, and hills of central India. They avoided the main roads and the towns, as they did not want to attract the attention of the British or their allies. They also had to deal with bandits, wild animals, and hostile tribes, who tried to rob or attack them. Raj fought bravely and skillfully, and managed to overcome all the obstacles. He also showed kindness and generosity to the poor and the needy, who welcomed him and blessed him.
One night, as they were camping near a lake, Raj received a message from Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. It was a letter, written in coded Urdu, and delivered by a messenger bird. Raj opened the letter, and read it with interest. It said:
"Dear Raj,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to inform you of the latest developments in our struggle against the British and their allies. As you may have heard, I have prepared to launch a new offensive against the British forces in the Carnatic. I have also tricked them to capture the Nizam of Hyderabad, your father, as I arranged a meeting with him. I have taken him prisoner, and have brought him to my capital, Srirangapatna.
I have a proposal for you, Raj. I want you to come to Srirangapatna, and meet me and your father. I want you to confront your father and demand your rights as his heir. I want you to claim the throne of Hyderabad, and join me in the war against the British. I will support you with my army and my resources, and I will recognize you as the true Nizam of Hyderabad. Together, we can defeat the British, and liberate India from their tyranny.
I also want you to meet my daughter, Kaveri, who is eagerly waiting for you. She is a beautiful and intelligent princess, who loves and respects you. She is ready to marry you and become your queen. She will make you happy and give you many sons and daughters. As she and Godavari are my only Childrens, your brother can also inherit my title as king, not in real sense but it's better than it is now.
I hope you will accept my proposal, Raj. I consider Rahul and you as my sons, and my ally. I trust you, and I value you. Do not delay, Raj. Come to Srirangapatna, and fulfill your destiny.
Your friend and well-wisher,
Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV."
Raj finished reading the letter, and felt a surge of emotions. He was surprised, excited, angry, and confused. He did not know what to do. He looked at the letter again, and thought about his options.
Should he go to Srirangapatna, and meet Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and his father? Should he claim the throne of Hyderabad, and join the war against the British? Should he let Rahul marry Kaveri, and become Tipu Sultan's son-in-law?
Or should he continue his journey to Cochin, and meet Rama Varma? Should he seek his advice and guidance? Should he explore other possibilities and alliances?
Raj was torn between two paths, two destinies. He did not know which one to choose. He decided to consult his escort, and ask for their opinions. He called them, and showed them the letter. He asked them what they thought.
What will they say? What will Raj do? Find out in the next chapter of the story.
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Raj decided to go to Srirangapatna, and meet his father-in-law Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and his father. He thought that it was his duty to face his father, and to assert his rights as his heir. He also wanted to meet his only real elder brother, Rahul, who had been loyal to him and had supported him. He hoped that he could convince his father to abdicate the throne. He also wanted to see Princess Kaveri, and to decide whether he should marry her or not.
He sent a reply to Maharaj Krishnaraja, accepting his invitation and expressing his gratitude. He then informed his escort of his decision and asked them to follow him. He also sent a message to Maharaj Rama Varma, apologizing for postponing his visit to Cochin, and promising to meet him soon. He then resumed his journey, heading south towards Srirangapatna.
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I hope you enjoyed my story. 😊