บท 6: Night before battle

** Strategy meeting tent of Hemu**

As the sun lowered on the horizon, casting a warm light over Hemu's sprawling camp, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Inside the large meeting tent, decorated with colorful curtains and flickering torches, a feeling of urgency filled the air.

The generals and their soldiers, wearing their armour with decorations in gold, hurried about getting ready for the meeting. Maps were spread out, strategies whispered about, and tension grew with each passing moment. But as soon as Hemu arrived, the tent fell silent, quieting even the most eager whispers.

With deliberate steps, Hemu walked into the tent, his presence filling the air with energy. His eyes, sharp and intense, looked over his gathered leaders, taking in every detail with keen observation. As he sat at the head of the table, his gaze seemed to weigh on each person, commanding their complete attention and respect.

His piercing gaze swept over his two most trusted aides Raamya, his sworn sister's son and Shadi khan kakkar his most loyal freind and right hand man.

"My dear friend," Hemu began, his voice heavy with regret, "I apologize for the miscalculation that led to the sudden appearance of the Mughal cavalry. It was an oversight on our part, and I take full responsibility."

Shadi Khan Kakkar, his expression unwavering, bowed his head in acknowledgment.

"Your Majesty," he replied with genuine gratitude, "you need not apologize for the actions of your loyal subjects. We serve you with unwavering loyalty, and any failure rests upon our shoulders, not yours alone."

He continued, his voice tinged with sorrow, "The loss of my brother is indeed a tragedy, but in the grand scheme of things, it pales in comparison to the loss of our artillery. If only I had been there with my brigade alongside my brother, perhaps we could have changed the outcome of the battle."

Raamya, the youngest commander known for his foresight and strategic brilliance, interjected with a note of respect for the fallen hero.

"General Shadi Khan," he said, his voice filled with admiration, "your brother's sacrifice was not in vain. He held the Mughals at bay long enough for us to regroup and devise a plan. And it was his quick thinking that allowed us to salvage what cannons we could."

Hemu, his brow furrowed with concern, sighed deeply as he contemplated the implications of their losses. "Even though the majority of our cannons are destroyed,"

he revealed his inner thoughts, "I fear the Mughals may have made off with twenty or thirty cannons during the chaos. Also the cannons recovered are not operational for now."

The news created tension in the tent, with both Raamya and Shadil Khan exchanging worried looks. Sensing the unease, Hemu stood up straight and said firmly, "But don't worry, my comrades. We've fought the Mughals many times before and always won. This time won't be any different. Even though we lost our cannons, we still have three times as many soldiers as the Mughals. We will win for sure."

His words calmed the tense atmosphere. With the strategy set, Hemu explained the plan for the upcoming battle: he would lead the main forces himself on a war elephant, protected by plate armor and accompanied by musketeers and crossbowmen.

Raamya would lead the left flank, and Shadi Khan the right. They would advance in their standard formation, with an equal number of cavalry units followed by infantry units.

Archers would be protected by infantry, and spearmen would be at the forefront of the infantry units. His contingent of 500 elephant units would handle the cannons, as those guns could only fire 20 rounds together before becoming too hot to use.

As the leaders nodded in approval and made their way out of the tent to prepare for battle, Shadi Khan lingered behind, his eyes burning with determination.

"Your Majesty," he vowed solemnly, "I will avenge my brother's death and slay Ali Quli Khan Shaibani with my own hands."

Hemu nodded in silent agreement, feeling a sense of sadness as he watched his friend leave, consumed by thoughts of revenge.

But in the midst of war, there was no time for uncertainty. With a heavy heart, Hemu prepared himself for the challenges ahead, aware that the future of their new found empire was at stake.

**Strategy meeting tent of Mughals**

In the Mughal strategy meeting tent, there was a lot of nervousness as the generals worried about the upcoming battle. Suddenly, Bairam Khan entered breaking down the tension, his laughter echoing through the tent as he praised Allah for the news he brought.

"Masallah! Inshaallah!" Bairam Khan exclaimed, his voice filled with confidence and zeal.

The generals in the tent were puzzled by the sudden change, but Bairam Khan's smile grew wider as he explained why: a spy among the enemy had given them important information about their formation.

"Brothers, rejoice!" Bairam Khan announced, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Our fortunes have turned! Thanks to the bravery and loyalty of our informant, we now have insight into the enemy's plans."

Upon hearing this revelation, a chorus of praises to Allah filled the tent as the generals expressed their gratitude for the stroke of fortune.

"One of the generals said, "Truly, the Almighty has favored us," his voice filled with devotion.

However, Bairam Khan's next words tempered the mood as he expressed regret for Afzal's kind and modest nature, lamenting that in times of war, ruthlessness was a necessary trait for a ruler.

Bairam Khan said, "It pains me to say this, but our Badshah's tender heart may prove to be a liability on the battlefield." He sounded serious. "In war, one must be prepared to make ruthless decisions for the greater good."

The generals nodded in solemn agreement, acknowledging the harsh realities of warfare.

Encouraged by his comrades' support, Bairam Khan announced his plan to guide the young Badshah into becoming the ruler he needed to be, even though he was only thirteen years old.

"Bairam Khan expressed,"Our Badshah may be young, but he possesses the potential for greatness." His voice was filled with determination. "It falls upon us to guide him and ensure that he rises to meet the challenges ahead."

The statement sent a ripple of panic through the gathering, as everyone could guess the hidden meaning between the lines.

Feeling the tense atmosphere, Bairam Khan quickly shifted the focus to strategizing the battle formation. He reminded the generals that the fight was ongoing and promised that greater contributions would be rewarded accordingly.

"Bairam Khan urged, "Let us not dwell on uncertainties, my brothers." His voice was firm. "Our victory is within reach, but only if we remain steadfast and united in purpose."

With renewed determination, the generals listened carefully as Bairam Khan explained the plan: their cavalry would spread out and charge. Ali Quli Khan would lead in the center, Sikandar Khan on the right, and Abdullah Khan Uzbak on the left. The vanguard would be led by Husain Quli Beg and Shah Quli Mahram, while Bairam Khan himself would accompany a small group of Turks for a special operation.

"With this formation, we shall strike fear into the hearts of our enemies and emerge triumphant," Bairam Khan declared confidently.

With roles assigned and strategies in place, the generals nodded their acceptance, ready to fulfill their duties on the battlefield.

Before the meeting concluded, Bairam Khan signaled for the arrival of beautiful women to lift the spirits of the leaders, momentarily shifting the mood within the tent.

"Let us celebrate our unity and strength, my brothers," Bairam Khan proclaimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "For tomorrow, we shall make history!"

Bairam Khan reminded everyone not to overexert themselves, stressing the importance of honoring the greatness and majesty of their leader. He urged them to give their best in the upcoming battle.

"As long as we fight with valor and determination, victory will surely be ours!" he declared confidently.

**Somewhere in jungle leading to Mountain top**

As Aditya and Bheem continued through the dense jungle, hidden in darkness, Bheem couldn't help but share his worries.

"Aditya, is it really wise to proceed like this?" Bheem questioned, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

"We don't have any other option, Bheem," Aditya responded firmly. "We have to keep going with the mission, no matter the dangers."

Bheem expressed his frustration, worried about how they might be seen as deserters by their companions and the fear of being labeled as cowards if their absence was reported to their superiors.

Aditya, however, remained steadfast in his conviction. "The mission is more important over everything else," his gaze fixed ahead.

Bheem, unable to suppress his curiosity, pressed further, questioning why Aditya chose not to share their plan with the squad captain.

Aditya turned to face Bheem, locking eyes with him as he explained, "Our superiors are arrogant. They wouldn't listen to me, even you wouldnt if I weren't your friend."

Bheem, after listening to Aditya's explanation, reluctantly accepted his friend's reasoning.

But despite his doubts, He couldn't resist one final inquiry, questioning the certainty of their direction and their ability to succeed with just the two of them.

Aditya laughed, which made Bheem even more confused. But when Aditya reassured him that their friendship would help them through, He couldn't help but feel better.

As the night enveloped them in its darkness, Aditya turned to Bheem, his voice breaking the silence that surrounded them.

"Did you bring all the supplies?" Aditya asked, his tone calm yet determined.

Bheem nodded in response, his voice barely above a whisper as he affirmed, "Yes, everything's here."

A hint of pride flickered in Aditya's eyes as he praised his friend. "Good job, Bheem. We're well-prepared for what's to come," he said, his words infused with confidence.

Bheem sighed, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him as he began to question his decisions. 'Did I really do the right thing by following him?'