With Jhansi now free from immediate British pressure and diplomacy, and with “The Pioneer of British Advances” now officially gone, I formally requested the post of personal advisor to the Rani.
In a private audience, I explained my vision: creating friendly alliances with neighbouring regions while permanently curing the deep divisions tearing our own people apart.
Most importantly, I told her how caste, creed, and baseless rumours were creating dangerous rifts among the soldiers and civilians, increasing the chances of failure in the very struggle for which we were pouring our hearts and blood.
Rani listened carefully.
She was open minded and truly visionary.
She saw both men and women as equals, regardless of gender, and dreamed of a united Jhansi free from the chains of caste and creed.
After a long silence, she nodded.
Rani Lakshmibai:
“Your words carry weight.
If these divisions are truly weakening us from within, then they must be removed.
I agree with your plan.”
The news of our recent victories was still fresh, yet panic still lingered among the sepoys.
Rumours about “strange new weapons” and “mysterious powders” that could defile them hung heavy in the air.
At that time, many baseless superstitions and caste discriminations were floating around:
The Enfield rifle cartridges (the most common firearm) were rumoured to be greased deliberately with pig or cow fat to pollute people or force conversion.
The hundred year prophecy that British rule, which began in Seventeen fifty seven, would surely fall in eighteen fifty seven.
Upper caste soldiers refused to fight alongside lower castes or Muslims due to rigid social norms.
Widowhood taboos and the fear of losing dharma because of British reforms.
I requested a formal audience in the Rani’s court and proposed my plan to permanently curb these social evils, uniting the whole of Jhansi as one.
I set up public stalls and presided over demonstrations and simple science shows.
My chemists explained chemistry in easy, relatable terms.
I took the cartridges on the spot and coated them one by one with plant based lubricants and wax.
Turning to the soldiers, I said clearly:
“No cow.
No pig.
Just oil from plants.
Bite it.
Test it yourself.”
My chemists demonstrated and explained the scientific facts behind it.
Some soldiers and civilians looked visibly relieved.
A few even stepped forward to test the cartridges themselves.
I also used modern tech, like small drones, or simple experiments to “predict” and then prevent bad omens.
If the stars supposedly said it would rain, I showed exactly how weather patterns worked, turning ancient prophecies into proven action.
The mood among the soldiers shifted from fear and uncertainty to calm confidence.
Old rumours slowly died down.
Their morale was boosted like never before.
I then turned my attention to broader superstitions.
In one powerful demonstration, I called a Jhansi soldier with a badly infected wound onto the stage.
“In this world, such a wound is considered mortal.
Many of you fear you won’t live long if you get injured.
But your fear of death from wounds ends here and now.
I come from a distant land with the perfect solution.”
On my signal, the medical team cleaned the wound, applied antibiotics, and bandaged it properly.
Once the treatment was done, the soldier took his first steady steps.
“I… I can walk again,” he said, voice trembling with emotion.
“I won’t die.
Thank you… I appreciate your help.”
There was a minute of stunned silence.
Then a wave of shock and awe swept through the crowd.
Even Rani herself looked fascinated: her eyes slightly widened, a small, genuine smile forming on her face as she accepted the power of these advancements.
The effect was electric.
Rumours died faster than ever.
Hindus and Muslims began fighting side-by-side more easily.
Caste tensions eased because my field hospitals treated everyone equally, regardless of background.
My victories proved that these new ways strengthened dharma rather than weakening it.
Superstitious desertions dropped sharply.
The Rani’s forces became far more disciplined and terrifying to the British.
I also requested permission for joint military training between my troops and hers.
She gladly approved.
The armies were taught the use of modern weaponry: guns, bullets, radios, walkie-talkies, and even how to operate drones.
The two forces were reorganized into specialized regiments: scouting units, royal guards (mostly the Rani’s personal warriors), backup regiments for extra momentum, sniper teams for distant kills, and “Harbingers” whose role was to visit neighbouring regions and sway them to join the alliance against the British.
My troops also built good roads inside the kingdom, which significantly improved travel and logistics.
That night, as I sat in my chambers reflecting on the rapid progress that took place in Jhansi, there was a soft knock on the door.
“Who’s there?” I asked, one hand instinctively reaching for my pistol.
A guard replied, “Her Majesty wishes to see you.
She is waiting on the rooftop.”
Perplexed but curious, I dressed quickly and made my way up.
Rani stood alone on the balcony, gazing at the star-filled sky.
She looked serene yet powerful, a fierce warrior and a graceful queen at once. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Rani Lakshmibai (turning to me with a gentle smile):
“I was waiting for you.”
She stepped closer, her eyes glittering with gratitude and something warmer.
Rani:
“I don’t know how to thank you properly for everything you have done for Jhansi, for me.
The demonstrations, the unity you brought, the fear you removed from my soldiers’ hearts- words feel too small.
If there is anything you desire- honour, land, wealth, just name it.
It will be yours.”
I backed off a little, knelt on one knee, head bowed, right hand over my heart.
Me:
“If you wish to honour me, Your Majesty, then grant me the greatest honour of all , the right to fight and lead under your command.
Giving my life for your noble cause of freedom would be the highest reward I could ever ask for.”
Rani stood stunned for a moment.
Then she stepped forward and gently lifted my chin so I would meet her eyes.
Rani (voice soft, full of emotion):
“You kneel before me, yet you ask for nothing but the chance to serve?
Most men with your power would demand a throne.
But you… you only ask to stand beside me.”
She paused, her fingers lingering lightly on my chin.
Her voice dropped to almost a whisper.
Rani:
“I am grateful.
More than grateful.
For the first time in many years, my heart feels… lighter.
You have given Jhansi hope.
You have given me hope.
And somehow, in doing so, you have made this widowed queen feel seen, not just as a symbol, but as a woman.”
She helped me rise, her hand still holding mine a moment longer than necessary.
A soft, rare smile touched her lips.
Rani:
“From today, you are no longer just an advisor.
You are the “Guardian” of Jhansi.
And I, I am glad you are here.”
The night air felt warmer between us.
For a few heartbeats, neither of us spoke.
The stars above seemed to shine a little brighter.