Chapter 14: Secret Trip in Panipat

As dawn broke the next morning, Bheem lay in his bed, deeply lost in slumber.

Little did he know that his peaceful sleep was about to be rudely interrupted in the most unexpected way.

In his dream, Bheem desperately pleaded, "Please, just this once! Let me hug you. I've never done hugged anyone before!"

His desperation was palpable as he reached out to embrace the imaginary figure, only to be abruptly pulled back to reality.

All of a sudden, he was thrown out of bed, still feeling the tingling from his dream. Bheem rubbed his eyes and saw soldiers staring at him with serious faces, which made him even more confused.

"What's going on?" Bheem demanded, his voice thick with sleep. "Can't a man get some shut-eye around here?"

But his protests fell on deaf ears as the soldiers dragged him from his bed and took him to Aditya, who was waiting for his arrival for the upcoming trip.

**Few moments before**

Early in the morning, before his companions arrived, Aditya and his guards assembled in the courtyard to address security concerns. However, one important personnel, Bheem, was notably absent.

Aditya looked around anxiously. "Why isn't Bheem here?" he asked his nearby soldiers.

Jeetendar Singh stepped forward with a grim expression. "He is still sleeping in his quarters, Your Highness," he replied in a low voice. "Shall we fetch him under your orders?"

Aditya's heart sank, a pang of guilt gnawing at his conscience. He knew involving Bheem in their plans without his consent was wrong, but he had no other choice. Bheem was the only one best suited to be their guide, and the only person Aditya fully trusted.

"We need him for the market visit," Aditya urged. "We can't afford to go without him. Don't keep me waiting."

Jeetendar nodded in understanding. "I will bring him at once," he said resolutely. "Soldiers, hurry up."

With a sense of urgency, Jeetendar disappeared into the depths of the palace, leaving Aditya to wait in tense anticipation.

A short while later, Jeetendar and his soldiers arrived, bringing a gagged and bound Bheem into their midst. Bheem's eyes were wide with fear and confusion.

Aditya rushed forward, as he reached out to untie his friend. Jeetendar explained that Bheem had been causing a ruckus after being abruptly woken from a vivid dream where he was kissing an imaginary figure. To prevent further delays, they had resorted to tying him up.

Aditya laughed at the explanation and ordered the soldiers to leave momentarily for a private discussion.

"Bheem, are you alright?" he asked with concern once they were alone.

Bheem's irritation flared as he glared at his friend. "This better be good," he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. "You can't just wake people up from their quality sleep without a good reason."

Aditya raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, I'm sorry, were you busy?" he asked sarcastically. "I must have missed the divine message about your meeting with the ghost girl in your dream."

Bheem scowled, unimpressed by Aditya's jest. "Very funny," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "But seriously, what's going on? I was having the dream of a lifetime, and you just had to ruin it."

Aditya's expression softened as he explained their plan to visit the market and the role of guide he needed Bheem to play. Bheem, still frustrated, protested, but Aditya held up a hand to silence him.

"Enough," he said firmly. "We don't have time for this. Are you in, or are you out?"

Bheem hesitated, still groggy from sleep, but as he looked into Aditya's eyes, he knew his friend wouldn't take 'No' for an answer. With a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Fine, but I expect a worthwhile reward, Your Highness."

Aditya chuckled in response.

**Market visit**

Under the bright sun, Aditya and his group moved through the lively market. Bheem, now alert and determined to make up for his earlier misstep, led confidently. Aditya and Afzal, dressed as servants, stayed close behind, while Amira, disguised as a male merchant with her hair tucked under a turban, blended in seamlessly.

Despite the sweltering heat and the crowded streets, they pressed on, scanning for any signs of excitement. Unseen by the crowd, Jeetendar and his security team kept a discreet watch, ensuring their safety.

Aditya's greatest frustration was the dress code; not due to tradition, but because of the complexity of maintaining decorum. The current fashion required him to wear a dhoti, a piece of fabric wrapped around his waist, while he felt most comfortable in pants with pockets.

Though pajama-like garments were available, they lacked the simplicity and comfort he desired and required an additional bag for essentials, a luxury reserved for nobility.

He realized how out of place he would appear if he introduced such fashion into the current culture. Even a minor alteration, such as changing his current oversized sandals, called mojris, would likely raise suspicions about his origins. So he wore a kurta, a long, elongated shirt, paired with a dhoti and mojri for his disguise as a commoner. He also donned a turban, which felt a bit heavy on his head.

As they navigated the market, Aditya noticed the genuine respect people had for Hem Chandra Bhargav. It was clear that his brief rule had positively influenced their daily lives. Yet, amidst the admiration, he saw troubling signs of dishonesty.

Merchants were tampering with weights and measures, and there was widespread exploitation: farmers were getting cheated, their crops undervalued, and gold coins were being traded for less than their worth. The injustice was glaring, and Aditya felt a surge of pity for the common people.

They also witnessed troubling discrimination, especially against lower castes who were barred from temples. It was a stark contrast to what he was used to and stirred a deep anger within him.

Their exploration of Panipat's market continued, each step drawing them deeper into its vibrant atmosphere. The market was alive with merchants calling out prices, patrons haggling, and laughter filling the air.

Amira seemed captivated by the market's charm. "It's like stepping into another world," she said with wonder.

Afzal agreed, his eyes drawn to a stall full of exquisite jewelry. "Absolutely," he said. "There's so much energy and life here."

Aditya smiled, feeling a sense of pride for bringing them this place. For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the simple pleasure of exploring, momentarily setting aside his responsibilities.

They treated themselves to sweets at a nearby stall, enjoying warm jalebi, spicy chaat, and succulent kebabs. The local cuisine delighted their taste buds, and they laughed and chatted as they ate.

While passing by a group of merchants negotiating grain prices, Aditya overheard talk of rising tensions and resentment toward the regime, with whispers of rebellion. The discontent was palpable, especially among those loyal to the Mughal regime. Aditya noted the unrest, considering the potential impact.

Their journey took them to a busy corner where artisans displayed their skills. Intricately woven fabrics and beautifully carved wooden furniture caught their eye.

Aditya paused to admire some embroidered curtains, tracing the delicate stitches with awe. "Remarkable," he said, clearly impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship.

Amira nodded, her eyes caught by a depiction of ancient legends. "Each piece tells a story," she said, enchanted by the art's narrative.

Afzal was equally captivated by a display of finely crafted jewelry. "Absolutely extraordinary," he murmured, his admiration evident.

As they continued exploring, Aditya's gaze fell on an elderly artisan carefully carving intricate designs on wooden toys, surrounded by his family. The artisan's children helped him, their faces lit with laughter. Despite their struggles to make ends meet, the family's dedication to supporting each other touched Aditya deeply.

He bought a small wooden toy and paid with a gold coin. The artisan, puzzled about how to return the change, was moved when Aditya insisted he keep it. The joy on the children's faces made Aditya feel good, even though the coin was of little value to him. The artisan, however, refused to accept the coin without offering something in return and gave Aditya an idol of Lord Rudra, showcasing his finest work. Seeing the artisan's earnest plea, Aditya accepted the gift with appreciation.

He reflected on how this world was filled with simple and honest people focused on living normal lives and supporting their families, contrasting sharply with the modern world's pursuit of success at the expense of loved ones with any means.

Afzal praised Aditya for his kindness, while Amira playfully teased him about his seemingly impractical business. However, their attention quickly shifted to the other wonders of the street, and they became absorbed in the vibrant atmosphere.

Their exploration led them to a lively group of street performers. The vibrant music and energetic dance drew a large crowd. Unable to resist, Aditya joined in, his feet naturally tapping to the rhythm. Amira and Afzal quickly joined, their laughter blending with the joyful atmosphere.

For a brief moment, they were lost in pure joy, completely absorbed in the lively scene and momentarily escaping the usual pressures of life.

As evening approached, Amira reminded Aditya about their planned hunt. Realizing it was getting late, Aditya being their guardian suggested they postpone it to the next day so they could fully enjoy the experience.

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