Secrets Revealed?

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 shivered, stunned by the harsh interrogation. He couldn't think of any other excuses; he was certain he had done his best, but the emperor was not easily deceived. On the verge of breaking down, he struggled to form coherent words, but none seemed convincing enough. Clenching his fists, he sighed deeply, his frustration bubbling over as he nearly blurted out the truth. At the last moment, he caught himself and veiled his words:

"Your Majesty, would you believe me if I told you I am from the future and have known everything beforehand? I.. I have explained everything I can from my end, and if you still don't believe me, I'm at a loss for words to convince you further. Regardless of what you think, the truth is plain for all to see."

This was the last bottom line that Aditya could pull it off.

The emperor's stern demeanor remained unshaken, though Aditya's words momentarily left him speechless. His mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Was this boy speaking the truth, or was it a clever fabrication to obscure something deeper?

The simplicity of Aditya's explanation felt oddly disarming, yet there was an undercurrent of mystery that made it difficult to dismiss. The boy's knowledge and talents were undeniable, but his bold claim and actions had indeed changed the course of outcomes.

'Could this be what people call divine intervention?' the emperor mused, his sharp gaze locked on Aditya. 'Whatever it is, I must keep a close watch on him.' 

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. May be the future will reveal its own secrets. Till, then I will play along your facade. "

Aditya's eyes widened in surprise as he listened to the emperor's judgment. Had he just been granted the benefit of the doubt? Moments ago, he had been on the verge of revealing his reincarnation secret, prepared to lay it all bare under mounting pressure. But observing the emperor's reaction, he realized that everything is going alright atleast for now.

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 you possess to fulfil the dream of our ancestors of Akhand Bharat (United India)."

"I promise to make my empire a true Hindu Swaraj 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 imagine that the emperor would decide to give him the chance to be by his side and had decided to digest his absurd excuses.

The more he heard from the emperor, the more it made sense. From his side, he had indeed outperformed the people of this era, and if not for his two life experiences, he doubted that a normal person from both eras could pull it off.

With the knowledge of being a medieval soldier and a martial artist from the modern era, coupled with history, he was able to create a miracle, and the emperor was right to doubt him. But the fact that the emperor had decided to pardon him for lying and even turn a blind eye to keep using his talent was unexpecting.

His respect for the emperor soared high as he analyzed the emperor as not only wise and understanding but also daring to give a stranger a chance to be a part of the administration despite having unknown origins.

Surely, there could be high chances for disposing of him if deemed unworthy, and the first option actually seemed lucrative with no risks. But money without power was uncertain. So, better to take the second route?

After analyzing all the pros and cons and concluding the offer, Aditya praised Lord Rudra for this life-altering opportunity and swiftly decided to grab it when it presented itself at his door.

'It wont be bad to fix the history when I still can.' he thought.

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.

Aditya's mind blew momentarily as he contemplated the role given to him . For a second he felt like his memory drive crashed and is still processing the follow up words.

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.