Aditya stood at the gate of the king's chamber, his heart pounding against his chest. In his past life, he had visited many forts as a tourist, but entering a real operational fort was an entirely different experience.
On the other side of the gate awaited a potential encounter with a powerful figure who held the authority to determine his fate - whether he would live or die.
Though Aditya was confident for the most part, a lingering uncertainty gnawed at his skin, occupying his thoughts with the possibility of unexpected consequences.
Lying in the name of the emperor, and worse, masquerading as his false son, was not a role he took lightly.
He stood there for what felt like an eternity, though in reality, it was only a few moments.
As his name was announced and he stepped into the room, his heartbeats thundered in his ears, the sound reverberating through his entire being
In the throne room, a middle-aged man adorned in royal attire sat upon a high throne, exuding an aura of authority and vitality despite his advancing years.
Just his presence alone seemed to weigh heavily upon the air, causing Aditya to feel the immense pressure of the moment.
As the emperor's gaze fell upon him, Aditya found himself momentarily speechless, forgetting all the plans he had meticulously crafted in preparation for this encounter.
Emperor Hemu addressed Aditya with a mixture of curiosity and rebuke. "Boy, it appears that your humble origins have left you ignorant of the basic etiquette required when meeting a king."
Aditya's heart sank as he realized his unintentional disrespect. Trembling with a sense of remorse, he fell to his knees, his voice filled with contrition.
"Forgive me, Your majesty Emperor. I am but a humble soldier. I acted out of desperation, seeking only to protect my people. In that moment, it was the only course of action I could fathom. I have committed a grave sin. I humbly beg for your forgiveness and mercy."
Observing Aditya's genuine display of remorse, Emperor Hemu's expression softened slightly.
With a nod of approval, he gestured for Aditya to rise and take a seat. "Very well, at least you acknowledge your mistake," the emperor responded with authority. "Rise, Aditya, and join me for a conversation."
With a sense of relief washing over him, Aditya rose from his knees and took the offered seat, ready to engage in dialogue with the formidable king.
Hemu inquired, "How did you plan to accomplish this within just few days before the battle, and why wasn't the top leadership involved?"
Aditya replied, "Your majesty Emperor, during the last skirmish, I feigned death. While in that state, I overheard Ali Quli Khan discussing the invaluable intelligence provided by a spy regarding the location and timing of our movements.
Thanks to General Raamya's reinforcements, I managed to return alive. In their conversation, they revealed a plot to either assassinate you or at least injure you in battle to disrupt our command structure.
Initially, I considered bringing this to the attention of higher-ups, but I feared being dismissed as a low-level soldier spouting nonsense, and I suspected spies within our own ranks. I also overheard plans to place the young Badshah atop the highest mountain, a location we're well aware of."
He continued, "So, I took matters into my own hands. With my friend and a supply of war materials, including gunpowder canisters, bows, arrows, ropes, and our standard arms, we ascended the mountain.
Using an explosion downhill to distract the main guards, we seized the opportunity to ambush the remaining guards and abduct the Badshah.
Considering the age of their Badshah in factor, I took the risk of directly abducting their chain of command, convinced him to sign the peace treaty. Fortunately, the young emperor was emotionally influenced, which led to his choice to pull back his troops and influence from the Ravi River.
He is now in our custody and will remain here for a month if it pleases Your Majesty."
Hemu fixed his gaze upon Aditya, his one eye probing for insight. "Tell me, Aditya, what do you think?"
Aditya shifted slightly in his seat, feeling the weight of the king's expectation upon him. Gathering his thoughts, he spoke carefully, choosing his words soaked with honey.
"Your majesty Emperor, I believe that the path to peace is often filled with challenges and sacrifices. While the decision to enter into a treaty with the Mughals may seem unconventional, it was born out of necessity.
Our people have endured much suffering, and this treaty offers a chance for respite and stability."
He paused, considering his next words carefully. "I understand that my actions may have been seen as deceitful, but I assure you, my intentions were noble. I acted with the sole purpose of ensuring the safety and prosperity of our empire."
Aditya's gaze remained steady
He could feel the weight of the king's gaze bearing down on him without expression. He knew deep down that the king remained unsatisfied, but he had given his best effort, and he reassured himself internally that things would turn out fine.
As emperor Hemu rose from his throne, Aditya's heart skipped a beat, his face striving to maintain composure.
The Emperor descended the steps and approached Aditya, locking eye with him in a piercing stare.
"Boy," the emperor began, his voice commanding attention, "I've traversed more of this world than you can imagine. Tell me, who are you?"
Aditya felt a surge of panic, his mind racing to find the right words, but his voice failed him. He could only meet the emperor's gaze with a blank stare.
Undeterred, Emperor Hemu continued, "You've accomplished feats beyond the capabilities of an ordinary man of this era. Your foresight, intelligence, planning, and execution are far beyond that of a common soldier. So, I ask you again, who exactly are you, and how did you achieve this?"
"And I want only truth!"
Aditya was stunned, realizing that the emperor had seen through his facade. He couldn't comprehend how the emperor had uncovered his deception or where the gap in information lay.
The emperor's penetrating gaze seemed to pierce through to his very soul, leaving him no choice but to reveal something he never planned to.
Bowing his head, Aditya pondered one last time, fearing he would lose all credibility if caught in further lies. The emperor was too wise to be deceived, and Aditya's fate now hinged on his words. So, he chose to speak the truth.
"You are correct, Majesty. I am not a commoner or a typical soldier of this era. Whether you believe me or not, the truth is I am not of this time as I inherited the memory of this body as soon as i woke up."
A slight furrow appeared between the king's brows at this revelation.
This time Aditya replied honestly to the king, "Your Majesty, I am from modern Bharat(India), five centuries ahead of this time. My memories are from the future, and I don't remember anything specific. The last thing I knew was that I awoke in a military tent three days ago after I died a tragic death in my timeline and your battle with Afzal is renowned in history."
Aditya paused, deciding to omit the concept of parallel universes as it might not translate well. He knew he had to give some proof or it would not fit well.
Intrigued, the emperor urged Aditya to continue.
"Your Majesty, if I had left things as they were, in that battle, you were fated to not only lose the battle but also your life."
Aditya continued. "Bairam Khan beheaded you the next day and slaughtered all the captured soldiers, displaying their remains on Purana Qila as a grim example. From that moment, the fate of our nation changed. Mughal negligence in the following centuries led to our country's downfall."
"Europeans arrived to trade but ended up enslaving us, ruling over and exploiting us until we were mere burdens to them. Even after gaining independence, we, the native Hindus despite being in majority, faced discrimination and were treated as second-class citizens."
"My sole desire was for the last Northern Hindu emperor, under whose rule the sacred Ganges flows, to survive and lead our civilization to an era of pride and prosperity recognized worldwide. Thus, I chose to save you, using the knowledge I had as a history teacher."
"I understand it may be difficult for you to believe, but I assure you, my king, I speak the truth. At first, I couldn't understand how this was possible, but I believe it is a phenomenon of God's miracle. There is nothing more I can add to my defence, Your Majesty. I am willing to put my neck on the line."
Following this revelation, Aditya felt a wave of relief wash over him. At last, he was able to share the inner thoughts that had weighed heavily on his heart since the day he came to this world.
He knew it was absurd and that his head would likely roll, but it didn't matter anymore. He felt satisfied that his life wouldn't end in vain, as he had managed to change history. At that point, he completely surrendered to his fate.
Upon hearing Aditya's words, the emperor was momentarily stunned, though he maintained his stern demeanor. He found himself at a crossroads: should he believe something as improbable as reincarnation, or dismiss it as a clever trick to conceal the truth? Knowledge is power, and while the boy's talents were undeniable, the notion of such a bold lie seemed unfathomable. Yet, Aditya's expression and the details he shared were equally perplexing. 'Could this be what people refer to as divine intervention?' .
Weighing all his options, he finally came to conclusion, as he turned away, clasping his hands behind his back, and remarked, "Perhaps you are skilled at spinning tales, or perhaps Lord Rudra himself sent you to guide us onto the right path. It's not like I have a choice but I still want to believe you. May be the future will reveal its own secrets. Till, then I will play along your facade."
Aditya's eyes widened in disbelief as he continued to listen to the emperor's judgment. Did he just got the benefit of doubt. A glimmer of hope arose, perhaps he could still survive.
Hemu gazed at the throne, reminiscing as he began to recount his tale to Aditya.
"Honestly speaking, I had lost all hope when I fell unconscious on the battlefield. It's nothing short of a miracle that the situation turned in our favour."
He paused, reflecting on his humble beginnings. "You must know, I am not of noble lineage. I started out as a mere merchant, selling salt petre. It was through my interactions with the Portuguese and my discovery of their cannon technology that I realized the importance of power in protecting those we hold dear."
Hemu's expression softened as he continued, "One night, I lost someone very dear to me to the Portuguese. That loss drove home the harsh reality of our world."
"I made my way to the court of the last Delhi emperor, and from there, I rose through the ranks to where I am now. I've seen and learned many things in my life, and one thing I can assure you of is that I don't engage in bad business."
Turning his attention to Aditya, Hemu presented him with a choice. "So, Aditya, here is your choice. You can take the money and lead an unknown yet peaceful life anywhere within my territory, and the rest I will handle."
"Alternatively, you can stay by my side, become my sword and shield, and work for me with the talent or knowledge you possess to fulfil the dream of our ancestors of Akhand Bharat (United India)."
"I promise to make my empire a true undisputable power and lead it into an era, that this world has never seen before. So, tell me, what do you choose?"
Upon hearing the emperor's words, Aditya was utterly shocked. He couldn't fathom that the emperor had decided to digest his absurd truth. Internally, Aditya praised Lord Rudra for prolonging his life and swiftly decided to grab the opportunity present at his door.
With deep respect, he bowed down on one knee and pressed his fist against his heart as he addressed his king.
"Your Majesty, from this moment onward, I pledge my life and loyalty to your service. I will do whatever it takes to help you unite all of the bhartiya subcontinent for our dream of Akhand Bharat!"
The emperor stated, "Then, become my son henceforth and prove your worth. You will not get the crown but the authority and my eyes will be on you."
With a sense of seriousness , the emperor revealed the possible secrecy that has to be surrounded for Aditya's new identity.
"You have been kept hidden from the world under my orders. Your guardians have perished in battle. If anyone inquires about your mother, declare that she is my Ratna."
With those words, the emperor departed from the chamber without sparing another glance, leaving Aditya to absorb the weight of his newfound identity.
As he rose, a surge of emotion overcame him, and he whispered to himself, "Did he told me to be his son..I am his son now.. I am the imperial prince now... YESS!!! YESS!!"
The exclamation echoed in the empty room, as he celebrated his new turn in life.
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Author's gratitude and request
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Hello dear readers, first of all I would like to thank you for reading my work and supporting me. I am new and I apologize for any of the distaste you might happen to encounter. I made this story in Honor of a great potential emperor Hem chandra vikramaditya and till now all the things about him I have mentioned is true. Becoming an emperor from being a commoner origin is no easy feat. Unfortunately , he was defeated. I assure you that from now on, this story might become more fictional but will be even more amazing as we delve into that time under his possible reign.
I have only one request for you guys even though if its early, please rate my book , make comments and give feedback so that I can learn from my mistakes and thanks for reading .
As for gratitude I am planning to mass release of atleast 10 chapters in future also, depending on scale. Also voting is appreciated. 😊