The next day dawned quickly.
I woke up in my cabin chair, my eyes still heavy and my body sore from all the paperwork.
I got fresh and headed for breakfast.
I entered a long hall, with a long table in the centre surrounded by multiple chairs.
I got a fresh plate loaded with multiple choices.
As I entered the hall, my servants bowed humbly.
I responded silently.
As I got closer, a familiar face appeared across the table.
It was Rani having her breakfast.
She looked so innocent, so serene as if Goddess Parvati herself resided in her.
Yet when the time came, she would never hesitate to take up arms to protect her loved ones.
My heart fluttered a little with some incomprehensible feelings.
I had decided to serve the right woman.
My heart was stolen long ago by her.
I loaded my plate with multiple cuisines like halwa, potato curry etc.
As I turned towards the table, to make myself comfortable beside her, an idea came into my mind.
A mischievous smile spread across my face.
I gestured to the attendants not to quietly leave the hall and silently moved towards the table.
As I crept closer, she didn’t even notice my presence.
I leaned closer to her and suddenly a warm breath blew into her ears.
“Goodmorning, my love !”.
Shocked, a shiver ran down her spine.
Her face was fully red and flustered.
She didn’t answer as if she was ignoring me.
I got a little confused.
As soon as she finished her bite, I gently lifted her chin to make her look up to me.
As I bent down and stole a “smooch”, her eyes shifted continuously as if they were trying to indicate someone else’s presence.
I got confused.
As I looked up, I was taken aback.
Begum Hazrat Mahal was seated across the table.
Her eyes widened and she almost choked on her food.
As the realisation hit me, I wiped my face in embarrassment and quickly said, ” Goodmorning Begum Sahiba, sorry I….
I didn’t see you.
I…..
I…..
I…..
re-remembered an im….
important work.
I will see you both later.” As soon as these words left my mouth, I scuttled towards the exit of the dining hall, my heart racing, my eyes and cheeks deep red.
I could hear Begum’s uncontrollable laughter from the dining hall.
Rani, too flustered to even look, buried her face into her hands shaking her head embarrassingly.
I had not gone far, then I heard Begum’s voice again loud and full of mischief.
Begum Hazrat Mahal (laughing heartily):
“Arre wah!
Guardian Sahab!
Since when did you start whispering sweet nothings during breakfast?
That too right in front of me?
Shame on you!”
I stopped in my tracks, face burning.
Before I could escape, Begum continued, her tone playful and teasing.
Begum (still laughing):
“Look at our brave Rani of Jhansi!
One moment she is commanding armies on the battlefield, the next moment she is hiding her face like a newlywed bride because her Guardian decided to be romantic in the dining hall.
He he!!
what has the world come to!”
Rani finally lifted her head, cheeks flushed pink, trying ,and failing, to look stern.
Rani Lakshmibai (pointing a finger at Begum, voice half embarrassed, half irritated):
“Begum Sahiba!
You are enjoying this far too much.
Begum (grinning widely, eyes sparkling):
“Oh?
Then why is your face still redder than your favourite red saree, Rani ji?
And you, Guardian, carrying her through the corridors yesterday, whispering sweet words today!!!
Are you planning to make the entire League gossip about your romance instead of fighting the British?”
I walked back slowly to the table, rubbing the back of my neck, unable to hide my smile.
Me:
“Begum Sahiba… you really know how to make a man regret waking up.”
Begum (waving her hand dramatically):
“Regret?
This is the best entertainment I’ve had since I arrived!
But enough of your love story.
Sit down, both of you.
We have serious matters to discuss.”
Soon after the Royal court was held.
Numerous topics were discussed like the developments of roads and medical facilities in the west.
The proper management of water supply from the rivers to even distant villages.
There were many reports that the Rajput rulers were extremely happy and welcomed many new reforms in the society.
The education of science and the world almost eradicated Caste divisions from the west.
The Sindhis and the Rajputs also had a lot of economic development due to the extension of Road of Fire.
Although the work environment was serious, every now and then the whole palace was immersed in the whispers and chuckles of the morning.
Rani was so flushed that she literally had to hide her face with her hands to prevent any more teasing.
When it came to gossip, Begum sahiba left no stone unturned to bring up the incident and to tease Rani.
Slowly as the air shifted, I stepped down from my seat and came forward in the middle of the darbar.
I suggested that now as we had incorporated the west in the alliance, we should look quickly to strengthen the other frontiers of the alliance; like north, eastern and south if possible.
I also expressed that among all these the south and coastal areas of the east would be the hardest to amalgamate, since they were mostly under British control.
But still there were areas in eastern areas like Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa which supported the revolt and were resisting the British in their own ways.
I also threw light on how the supply lines were shrinking and narrowing as the area of the alliance expanded.
Rani and Begum both nodded in agreement.
Rani said to me, “I see…, then I want you to go to the east and consolidate as much power and allies as possible.
Then we can throw these British people out of our country for good.
Don’t hesitate to contact me in case something unexpected or worse happens.”
I instantly ordered my troops to prepare to march towards the east.
Soon after , the regions of Bundelkhand, Kalpi, Mahaouch, Sagar and many more were ordered to keep ready with forces in case war erupts and the British turn towards the South for help.
I sent voice messages through radio to the Rajputana kingdoms for reinforcements.
That night I was busy preparing for my campaign in the east.
Suddenly I heard a knock on my door.
I told them to come in .
Rani suddenly entered and stood completely frozen by the door itself.
Rani:
“Oh, my, my!!!!!
So many mountains of paperworks, I wonder if you are even alive back there.
Although I hope you are.”
I raised a hand from the ruble of paperworks,
Me:
“I am right here, alive and kickin’ just a bit involved in completing the formalities for our eastern expansion.”
Rani:
“Just tell me if you want any help, just let me know”
For the next hour, we worked side by side.
She helped sort the maps of Bihar and Odisha, read out reports from local messengers, and studied the proposed routes for extending the Road of Fire eastward.
Rani Lakshmibai (pointing at a map of Bihar, voice focused):
“Kunwar Singh’s forces in Arrah are still holding strong, but they are low on modern weapons and supplies.
You should reach them first.
Offer them our rifles, ammunition, and field hospitals.
If we can secure Bihar properly, it becomes a strong shield for our heartland.”
She traced a line on the map with her finger, her expression serious.
Rani:
“For Odisha and Jharkhand, the situation is different.
The forests and hills there are dense.
The local tribes and zamindars have been resisting the British in small pockets, but they are fragmented.
You must approach them with respect, not as a conqueror.
Promise them autonomy within the League and protection from British reprisals. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
Use the Road of Fire not just for soldiers, but to bring medicine, salt, and cloth.
That will win their hearts faster than any weapon.”
I nodded, noting down her points.
Every now and then she would tease me lightly to keep the mood from becoming too heavy.
Rani (smiling playfully while handing me another report):
“And try not to sneak up on any local queens or chieftains like you did this morning.
We don’t want another Begum Sahiba laughing across the table in some distant fort.”
I chuckled and nudged her shoulder.
Me:
“Noted, my queen.
No surprise smooches until I return.”
Her cheeks glowed red for a bit, but soon she regained her regal posture.
Rani Lakshmibai (more seriously):
“On the diplomatic front, be careful with the British garrisons still present in parts of Bengal.
They may try to provoke you into open battle before you are ready.
Avoid direct confrontation until you have consolidated enough local allies.
Use your radios to stay in constant touch with me and Begum.
If anything unexpected happens like a major British reinforcement or internal betrayal send word immediately.
Do not hesitate.”
She paused, then placed her hand gently over mine on the table.
Rani (voice softening, but still firm):
“The East is crucial.
If we secure Bihar, Odisha, and the Jharkhand hills, we cut off the British supply route from Calcutta.
Their forces in the north will become isolated.
But remember , we are not just fighting for land.
We are building a confederation where every region feels equal.
Treat the local leaders as partners, not subordinates.”
I squeezed her hand gently.
Me:
“I understand.
I’ll move carefully, diplomacy first, force only when necessary.”
Rani leaned closer, resting her head lightly against my shoulder for a moment.
The gesture was tender, but her words remained sharp and queenly.
Rani Lakshmibai (quietly):
“I trust you completely.
You have already turned the West into our strength.
Now go and do the same in the East.
When you return, we will stand together stronger than ever.”
She lifted her head and gave me a small, affectionate smile mixed with a hint of teasing.
Rani:
“And try to come back before I miss you too much or before Begum Sahiba starts inventing new stories about your ‘romantic adventures’ in the East.”
I laughed softly and pulled her a little closer.
You:
“I promise I’ll return as soon as the foundations are laid.
And next time, I’ll make sure the only person I whisper ‘good morning’ to is you.”
We continued working for a while longer, her strategic suggestions making the Eastern plan much clearer and stronger.
Eventually, Rani stood up and gently tugged me toward the bed.
Rani (softly):
“That is enough for tonight.
You need rest before the long march.
The East can wait a few hours.”
As we lay down, she curled up against my chest, one arm draped over me.
Her final words before sleep were both loving and practical.
Rani (murmuring):
“Sleep now.
Tomorrow you carry the future of the League on your shoulders but tonight, you are only mine.”
Soon I was immersed in an eternal ocean of fragrance, love and satisfaction.
The Awadhi perfumes of the Rani made the place truly feel like heaven.
Slowly as sleep claimed me, there was only one thought in my mind, “Oh dear God!
Please grant me success on this great plan of mine, so that my Rani can have peaceful moments like these her entire life.”