As the sun set, Delhi buzzed with excitement. Aditya, atop his majestic elephant, felt proud as he surveyed the lively streets. Colorful banners and flags decorated the city in preparation for Emperor Hemu's arrival.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of drums and traditional music as people crowded the streets to see their revered ruler. Experiencing Delhi's grandeur for the first time, Aditya marveled at the spectacle before him.
Beside him, Afzal rode with wide-eyed wonder at the spectacle. Despite his responsibilities, he felt exhilarated to be part of such a momentous occasion.
Meanwhile, Amira sat in her palanquin, her heart pounding with excitement as she watched the bustling streets pass by. Her eyes kept drifting to Aditya, captivated by his regal presence commanding the attention of the crowd.
As they neared the royal palace, the streets became even more crowded, with people throwing flowers and chanting praises of Emperor Hemu and Prince Aditya. The sound of drums and trumpets filled the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The air resounded with fervent chants, echoing the sentiments of the jubilant crowd. Voices raised in unison, proclaiming "Long live the Emperor!" and "Long live the Prince!" filled the atmosphere with a palpable energy.
At the entrance to the palace, Aditya spotted an elderly nobleman dressed in traditional attire, holding a thali adorned with a burning diya (local candles).
Aditya's heart swelled with pride as he realized the significance of the moment; he was about to be welcomed into the heart of the empire by none other than the emperor's father Chandrashekhar.
As Emperor Hemu's procession approached, the nobleman stepped forward, his voice resonating with ancient Sanskrit slokas. He invoked the blessings of the gods, and Aditya listened intently, the words washing over him like a soothing balm, filling him with peace and reverence.
With the ceremony complete, the nobleman turned to Emperor Hemu, his eyes shining with pride and admiration.
"May you always be victorious, my son," he said, his voice thick with emotion as he blessed the emperor.
Emperor Hemu smiled warmly at his father's words, his gaze then turning to Aditya, who stood nearby, his heart racing with anticipation.
"And may you continue to guide us with wisdom and strength, Father," he replied, his voice steady and filled with respect.
As Emperor Hemu and his father shared heartfelt words, Aditya found himself enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions. Witnessing their genuine warmth stirred a deep longing within him, a poignant reminder of the affection he had missed in his past life. Yet, amid the bustling celebration, a surge of pride overcame him, knowing that his presence had contributed to this touching moment.
Lost in thought, Aditya was jolted back to reality by Emperor Hemu's father calling his name.
"Aditya, my grandson, come meet your dada," the elder gentleman called with affection.
"Even though it's our first meeting, I've longed to hear these words from you."
Aditya approached with hesitant steps, then knelt before his grandfather and respectfully touched his feet in reverence.
"Bless me, Grandfather," he said.
His grandfather's hand descended gently upon his head, filled with love and pride. "Ayushman bhava (have a long life), my dear boy," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.
As an orphan, Aditya had never experienced such warmth. This moment was something he had longed for his entire life. Even though he knew it was only a facade, the emotion was overwhelming. Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes as he felt the weight of his grandfather's blessing. Rising to his feet, he turned to Emperor Hemu, who stood before him, his eyes glowing with genuine warmth.
Emperor Hemu reached out, clasping Aditya's hand.
"You have made us proud, Aditya," he said, his voice brimming with pride. "You have proven yourself to be a true son of the empire."
Aditya felt a profound sense of peace. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, he knew he was exactly where he was meant to be: by the side of his emperor.
The grandfather and emperor shared a knowing smile at Aditya's overwhelmed state before leading him into the palace. Aditya was filled with a mix of celebration and emotion, warmed by the heartfelt welcome and familial blessings.
** Inside the Palace **
As the procession made its way through the streets of Delhi, Aditya noticed the familiar figure of Hari Singh among the attendants. Surprised, he approached him with a friendly smile.
"Hari Singh, it's good to see you again," Aditya said with curiosity.
Hari Singh nodded respectfully. "Likewise, Your Highness. I am honored to serve once more."
However, before Aditya could inquire further, Hari Singh gestured towards another figure nearby. "But please, allow me to introduce you to Yashpal Singh, the head butler of the emperor. He has been serving the royal family for decades and is as old as His Highness's grandfather."
"Welcome, Your Highness, to Purana Qila," Yashpal Singh said, his voice filled with reverence for the historical significance of the fortress. "Allow me to be your guide as we explore the wonders of this royal stronghold."
Aditya noticed a dignified figure, radiating authority and wisdom. He acknowledged Yashpal Singh and allowed him to guide them into the royal palace.
As the sun began its descent, Yashpal Singh, the loyal butler to emperor Aditya, led him through the imposing gates of Purana Qila, the ancient fortress that stood as a proof to the grandeur of their ancestors.
The prince's eyes widened with wonder as he took in the magnificent sight before him, the golden rays of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the weathered stone walls.
At first, they headed towards the temple under construction area. They approached the site where a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was taking shape, its grandeur evident even in its unfinished state.
"The construction of this temple has been a labour of love for our community," Yashpal explained with pride. "It will stand as a proof to our devotion and serve as a place of worship for generations to come."
Aditya gazed upon the intricate carvings and towering spires with admiration, impressed by the craftsmanship and dedication evident in every detail. "It is truly magnificent," he remarked, with a sense of awe in his voice.
As they continued their tour, Yashpal led Aditya to the nearby shed where cows were sheltered. "Here, we care for these sacred animals with the utmost reverence," Yashpal explained. "They provide us with milk, which sustains us and is used in our religious rituals."
Aditya observed the cows grazing contentedly, their presence a symbol of abundance and prosperity. "It is heartwarming to see such care and respect for these animals," he commented with appreciation.
"Within these walls lies the marvel of architectural splendor, where the rulers of old held court and conducted affairs of state."
Then Yashpal Singh toured Aditya through the administrative offices or chambers where affairs of state were conducted, their living quarters, the royal kitchen, the grand hall for a large number of guests, and the royal dining room specially privileged for top nobles.
As they walked through the sprawling courtyard, Yashpal Singh regaled Aditya with tales of the fort's illustrious past, pointing out the grand palace where the ruling elite once resided. "Here, Your Highness, is the heart of Purana Qila," Yashpal Singh explained, gesturing toward the imposing structure.
Aditya's eyes sparkled with wonder as he imagined the opulent interiors of the palace, adorned with intricate carvings and precious jewels. "Truly magnificent," he murmured, unable to tear his gaze away from the palace within the fortress.
After this, they continued their journey through the palace, where Yashpal Singh showed Aditya the barracks and training grounds where the garrison once resided, and the workshops where artisans honed their craft.
Each building held a piece of history, a proof to the resilience and ingenuity of their ancestors.
Then, he showed Aditya the palace garden filled with well-organized plants and trees bearing beautiful fruits and flowers, including decorative pools to enhance the pleasure of sight. Later, they visited the bathhouse, dedicated for privileged nobles.
But Yashpal Singh was not finished yet. He addressed the prince, "Next is a very interesting place, Your Highness. I am going to take you to the place where the fate of kingdoms is decided." Aditya nodded as the butler took the lead.
Yashpal Singh led Prince Aditya through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, showing him the grand council chamber and the King's courtyard within the palace.
As they entered the grand chamber, Yashpal Singh explained that it had been meticulously designed to reflect the emperor's status as a Hindu ruler.
Intricate carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes from the ancient legend of the Mahabharata war, while rich curtains and rugs adorned the floors.
The only areas which remained unexplored due to restrictions were the king's personal room and his chamber where he conducts his daily work in privacy.
Aditya couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he surveyed his surroundings, knowing that he was walking in the footsteps of the great rulers who had come before him.
"It is truly a sight to behold, Yashpal Singh," he said, his voice filled with gratitude for his loyal servant's guidance.
Yashpal Singh bowed respectfully, his heart swelling with pride at the prince's words.
"It is my honour to serve you, Your Highness," he replied, his voice filled with respect.
"May your reign be long and prosperous, and may the walls of Purana Qila stand as a proof to your strength and wisdom for generations to come."
After reaching the living quarters of the prince as last destination, Prince Aditya and Yashpal Singh shared a moment of silent reverence for the fortress that had stood the test of time, a symbol of resilience and endurance in this chaotic era.
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Author's note:
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I wont request for vote or comment or review today as this chapter is dedicate to all fathers of this world. While writing this chapter I realized that we guys literally are not fair to our fathers as we should be.. may be I am getting a bit emotional.. :)
Initially my plan was just to make a short scene but thinking of the possible pain of this grandpa guy, who had to see his son's dead body in real timeline's past and then get pathetically butchered right after when this city was destroyed in front of his eyes. I thought at least I should complete his dream come true in my novel through our Aditya who got the golden chance to alter the fate in their timeline. Also, I hope you people are enjoying my work so have some patience for my updates as I promise to put a bomb next ahead soon. :)