CH# 14 :The Mughal Eclipse | Siege and Fall of Delhi 1857- fusion stories

CH#14: THE MUGHAL ECLIPSE

Siege and Fall of Delhi 1857

...‘I second Bakhat aali ja. Sepoys more trust in their seniors and they’ll fight comfortably on joining of Bakhat as an in charge. Then Prince Mirza Mughal can manage the administration of wages, medicines, food and weapon supply to armor,’ Prime Minister suggested.

 

‘But Bakhat Khan will inform Red Fort about his expedition. King Bahadur Shah Zafar will remain central command as an emperor of the state and he’ll not indulge in any politics against Red Fort,’ king made his mind.

 

‘Why not, aali ja, we all owe the Red Fort as our center of strength,’ Bakhat Khan bowed clever. 

 

The feeble king was not given enough time again or he already left this war on fate. He again walked to his room and came back with one magnificent sword.

 

Prince Abu Bakar seemed restless when the king presented a splendid jeweled heavy sword to Bakhat Khan along with his broach to Bakhat to honor him for the new post.  King Bahadur Shah Zafar stole his eyes from his beloved grandson vulnerable when Bakhat put that sword in his scabbard along his body and kissed the king’s hands. Bakhat Khan became the new commander-in-chief of The Mughal Army of freedom fighters.

 

Khizar Sultan offered launch to Bakhat after Friday prayers while they came out of Diwan e Khas. Just then they stopped by looking at Queen Zeenat Mahal.

 

‘We’ve been betrayed…Mughal king has been degraded…those ladies will not find patronage in our empire. Send security men to locate them…,’ Queen Zeenat Mahal entered from fort gate mourning and went straight to king’s room.

 

‘The bride has run away…the bride ditched the prince…,’ there were gossip and mockery all around the Red Fort. Prince Jawan Bakhat locked himself in his room and didn’t come out even at the time of Friday prayers.. 

 

‘Just show me the record of all sepoys fighting for us. I want details of their previous record,’ Bakhat Khan asked Mirza Khizar to provide him the necessary information on reaching his room.

 

‘Of course, you’ll have it soon. I’m really happy that you trenched Mirza Mughal’s position. Now I’ll back you in any attempt. Let’s have lunch first,’

 

‘I didn’t do anything. That incompetent prince deserved this. I’ll eat in a while but it would be better if you give me the details of taxes collected from Delhi these days as a colonel at deposits. These are deposits of soldiers, not the royal booty,’

 

‘Tax details…we’re working on issuing the wages for July but you know people are not ready to give tax and we’ve nothing in our hands,’

 

‘You’ve seized the people’s life by imposing taxes on grocery items even and you’re saying that Red Fort is empty-handed. I know nothing the wages of sepoys should reach in time and I’m abolishing the taxes on salt and sugar as a commander in chief in the errand of people,’ Bakhat khan immediate met Prince Khizar Sultan after grabbing the command.

 

‘What! You can’t do this. It’s not your jurisdiction to indulge in administration,’ Khizar Sultan couldn’t hold it anymore. It was obvious Bakhat was also like his colleagues who didn’t regard or respect Red Fort at all. Khizar Sultan had no choice other than to release a few pennies from accounts for the wages.

 

On another side, Crown Prince Mirza Mughal already started to cradle malignancy against Bakhat khan. Prince Mirza Mughal couldn’t ignore Bakhat Khan’s attempt to abolish  taxes and inquiry for every detail from Red Fort.

 

Bakhat Khan left for Oudh as most of the freedom sepoys were gathering in north of Lucknow to siege and capture the capital of the residency of Oudh.  

Cawanpur was also under freedom fighter’s control and the fall of Lucknow could be a big achievement for freedom soldiers.

'Aren't you going to collect your first salary as a Mughal sepoy,' Aneel approaches there counting his coins.'

'These Mughal coins are of no use in my village as that is still under British control. They're hardly making their living for three months,' Niaz Din replied anxious.

'Soon we will reach and win there too. Go and collect your wage. Alread, these few pennies have come out of Mughal pockets because of Bakhat Khan,' Aneel consoled him. 

Soon the freedom fighters were ordered to move towards Lucknow.

 

British were not unaware of the freedom sepoys’ intentions. The real big issue was to save the residency in Lucknow. The residency was a place with many buildings, British families were living for a long. Freedom soldiers circled Lucknow under command of Bakhat Khan and a battle started between British and sepoys by 8^th July 1857.

'Hey stop. No one seems behind. We've reached far out of Delhi wall,' Umer called them from behind.  

A scorching sun was shining on heads at dawn. Katherine and Angeline took gasping breath and stopped.

'I think, we can take rest over here,' Ranbir pointed towards old Banyan tree near corn field. 

'Thanks a lot. You appeared like angels yesterday,' Katherine sat under the tree first. 

'Did Syed Ahmed informed you about us?' Angeline asked looking at Umer.

'It's not important who told us. Thank God that we were in time,'

'Water...,' Katherine cried.

'Let me check if I can arrange something from near town. We have to be very careful. I believe Mughal sepoys would be looking for us,' Ranbir got up and made his way amid fields towards near houses.   

The sun was overhead now. They were waiting for Ranbir. Katherine closed her eyes to take a nap. 

 

‘I’ll surely die of this black gown (burqa) if I could survive of Mughal police,’ Angeline turned down her veil annoyed. Umer couldn’t hold her eyes out of her face that was shining like a moon out of black veil. She seemed tired.

 

‘Thanks,’ Angeline noticed Umer’s staring.

 

‘For what!’ Umer got embarrassed and turned his face.

 

‘You appeared as an angel at night and took us outside the city safe otherwise I would commit suicide instead of marrying that dumb prince,’

'I owed this,' Umer grinned.

'Here is the our delicious lunch,' just then Ranbir appeared with hot rotian, lassi, achaar and vegetable curry from near village.

'I also have arranged a bull cart for us,' he exclaimed joyfully.

'Where we're going now?' Angeline got conscious. 

‘Don’t worry! Soon you’ll be with your father. According to our information, General Nicholson is in Lucknow with British families in residency. The situation is not good there too but we'll try to leave you and your mother there safely,’ Umer answered and offered her a glass of lassi. Katherine also joined them in a while.

The war was in full swing now. When the British soldiers and officers were fighting against seasonal diseases then the freedom soldiers were boosted up under their new command Bakhat Khan. British officers planned to wait for the fresh groups to join them.  

The British columns from the hills of Simla left towards Delhi.

 

The Gurka units were asked to reach Cawnpur from Bengal. The first relief operation to rescue the residency was started by the British. The British forces were using rockets, cannons, and the latest and accurate Enfield rifles (the same rifle which caused the rebel to burst out) by mid of July.

 

Bakhat Khan organized the freedom forces and sent his best cavalry towards Lucknow. There was a lack of proper hygienic food and medicines for freedom sepoys. Somewhere freedom sepoys were worried for their families who were waiting for wages for two months. New Mughal coins were not effective or recognized in areas with British command. The situation was confusing at freedom sepoys now and was wrecking their strength.

It was the third day that they were continuing their journey on carts or on foot among the fields mostly to avoid main roads. It was getting tough as the first spell of heavy monsoon rain broke the mounted suffocation and water was flooded everywhere in the fields and on the roads. The sky washed his face out of dust particles and Punjab’s green plants cherished with twinkling rain droplets. They had to stay at a small house as paying guests.

 

‘How much distance is left? Angeline asked in low. She sat down holding her leg when they were about to leave.

‘Are you alright?’ Katherine came nearer to her.

 

 'Oh no, you're blazing with fever,' Katherine sat closer.

 'There is a big-mouthed pustule near her ankle. Do something,' Katherine examined her leg and told Umer who was outside house with Ranbir. 

'Its ok mom. I'm alright. We shouldn't stop,' Angeline hardly answered. 

'The months of Sawan and Badhon (local names for July and August) are known to be a month of allergies, pimples, and disease in Hindustan because of humid and warm weather. It's common here. We can't wait anymore. We've to join our forces back there,’ Ranbir explained.

'You don't worry mam saab. We'll take care of this,' Umer dragged Ranbir to one side and asked him to wait there.

After awhile Umer went to one side and brought back a few herbs from near field. He asked Katherine to tie those herbs on Angeline's furuncle.

 

‘It’s very soothing,’ Angeline felt relieved in a while. They set out towards Lucknow which was not very far now.

'I think you've planned to balance all our debts in this meeting,' Angeline talked when Umer held her hands to help him to jump over a trench. 

 

‘Although we're browns...don't know English, don’t study medical but we're not as dumb as you think,’ Umer smiled. Katherine and Ranbir were moving ahead of them.

I guess, we've reached,' Ranbir stopped by a group of mango trees that were loaded by ripe fruit. They could see a British check post at distance where many officers were on duty.  The situation was tense all around but they had no other choice to rescue the ladies.

 

Cawnpore was recaptured by the British and severe brawl erupted in Lucknow. The British were approaching Delhi at every second as fresh units were joining them. On the other side, Red Fort was growing less interested in war. Local Ghazis were passionate but unskilled, so their number couldn’t strengthen the freedom forces. 

 

‘British territory starts from here. You’ll reach your father once you make to the check post safe,’ Umer pointed towards one British check post staying at distance.

 

‘Won’t you come forward?’Angeline looked at him.

'We're the travelers of two opposite destinies. Please go ahead. I'll pray that you can go back to your country and meet your all dreams,’ Umer murmured. 

 

‘Angeline, don’t waste time. Hurry up run…,’ Katherine held Angeline’s hand and started to push her towards the check post. Angeline and Katherine threw their gowns at one side near the check post and entered the British camp safely. Umer watched them till their last sight from a safe point. Angeline turned back but it seemed that she couldn’t spot Umer.

‘Umer, we should also turn back now. We must report to Bakhat Khan for our new deployment,’ Ranbir called him waiting for a while.

 

'Thanks Ranbir. You're really friend indeed,' Umer hugged him.

'Its alright dude. What are the friends for?' Ranbir patted him.

'At least I come know the reason of your restlessness of days. That green eyed lady also seem to fall in love with my friend,' 

'There is nothing like this,'

'There is.

'No, look for any ride.' They came on main road.

  

‘The British will not forgive the innocent blood of whites that were slaughtered outside Red Fort until the last culprit is sent to hell,’ General Nicholson met his daughter and wife and consoled them.

 

‘It was a terrible seeing,’ Katherine shivered.

 

  ‘We couldn’t even imagine that the dumb browns will stand against us just at the back of crippled Red Fort. Every white soldier’s life is not worth living until it takes revenge. Soon the Delhi will be in our hands again and we’ll smash every brick of Red Fort. Let them feast on nine-days wonder of freedom,’ General Nicholson clenched his fist.

 

‘Why don’t you consider your blunders behind this mutiny? British harsh governance has forced the Indians to rise for their rights,’ Angeline spoke up.

 

‘Are you alright, Angeline? You don’t sound sensible. You should take some rest then I’ll manage to send you back to England. For now, I'm leaving for Punjab but don't worry, you'll be safe here until then,’ General patted his gloomy daughter and left.

 

British attacked Lucknow by end of July and severe scuffles overtook the city. Freedom fighters resisted, attacked, and tried to push British forces back.  The Red Fort was trying to cope with the situation by sending more men towards Lucknow but there were miscommunication and mismanagement from both sides.

 

2^nd August 1857

 

‘Aali ja, we’ve lost Lucknow too. British forces have recaptured the city and our freedom sepoys are slipping back towards Delhi,’ a security minister entered Diwan e Khas accompanying Niaz Din and Aneel and informed Bahadur Shah Zafar.

 

‘It’s just because of our competent commander Bakhat Khan. You must say my greetings to him,’ Mirza Mughal responded.

 

‘No, it’s just because of misconduct from Red Fort. I insist that King should give charge of administration and cavalry to Aneel instead of Prince Mirza Mughal and charge of depositary should switch to Niaz Din instead of Khizar Sultan to grab unsurpassed results from the war,’ the minister presented his suggestion smartly.

 

‘What! Are you out of your mind? Instead of giving back the central rank to Red Fort after your consecutive defeats, you’re looking for more titles and higher status,’ Mirza Mughal couldn’t control his anger.

 

‘Aali ja, we’re not intended to violate the Mughal’s writ but an appointment of courageous Hindu minister will aid you to win the hearts of Hindu soldiers that have a significant majority in our freedom forces. It's been more than two months, sepoys are waiting for designations in the Mughal army ,’ Aneel looked at the king ignoring Mirza Mughal.

 

‘There is a row of valiant soldiers or rebel sepoys outside Red Fort that are demanding for ministries and high ranks instead of focusing on battlegrounds. You also go and stand there in wait,’ Khizar Sultan taunted.

 

‘You’re underestimating us. We’re part of this battle from day 1 and have a right to…,’ Niaz Din tried to keep his voice low.

    

‘I’ll soon think of your suggestions. You better leave now,’ King Bahadur Shah interfered for the first time.

 

‘The war is slipping from freedom sepoys. They're observing defeats at many places.  I’m also a heck of their overwhelming demands. They don’t have focused vision otherwise they stayed and organized themselves in Delhi before scuffling at all sides. I don't think that they’ll meet their plan to get rid of whites instead they'll drown us too in their rickety ship.’ Crown Prince Mirza Mughal  seemed bothered.

 

‘We should talk to the British as soon as possible that we’re withdrawing from the war on some conditions.’ Mirza Mughal suggested as soon as the sepoys left.

 

'You're right. The war is reached at home now. For me, the safety of my people is most important. Send my message to governor-general that we want ceasefire,’ the king ordered after thinking awhile. Prince Khizar also seemed to agree.

 

 

SIEGE OF DELHI/SHAHJAHANABAD

 

The weather was being harsh and turned unpredictable. The livid rain flooded the city at any time and then out of the blue sun stopped the rain following air to blow on another time. The harsh warm weather which had stopped the Company’s resistance was calm down now.    

 

 8^th August 1857

 

 ‘What is the report of Gurka units from Nepal? Is the sea is calm for them?’ General Canning was anxiously waiting and relying on the units which were about to join them from Nepal and about to port at Bengal Sea soon.

 

‘They’ll join us in a day or two. The armed men from Lahore have also reached here to support the Company,’ another officer entered the base and read a letter.

 

‘Sikhs of Punjab are feared of Mughal restoration and we should take advantage of their concerns. They are sending great aid. Their Sikh governor will have a reward for his loyalty to East India Company. We’ll dig up mutineers’ graves inside Delhi now. Set up camps and build strong bunkers outside city gates. Tow all weapons, cannons and machine guns there and start to look for any infringes in the wall,’ General Canning exclaimed with joy while pointing his long stick on the map.    

 

‘All near fields have been evacuated to set our forces, sir. The Company spies are alert in and outside the city but the weather is not much support. It rained almost daily and flies, mosquitoes’ insects and many other underground reptiles come out to feast on sepoys blood. We need to fall this wall before our sepoys keep on filling the medical camps after falling into seasonal diseases,’ an officer briefed the General.

 

‘General Nichloson is about to meet us with heavy machinery by train from Punjab. It’ll smash the wall,’ General answered thoughtfully.   

 

‘Its Company forces which will bury under their arrogance and no will find the marks of their last restrooms. We’ll gather in the Delhi and safe the Mughal crown until our last breath,’ Bakhat Khan addressed the soldiers. Umer and Ranbir were appointed as scouts towards British camps. They left for British camps disguised as local farmers to locate their exact positions and number. General Nicholson arranged a ship from Bengal for his family to leave. The ship had to left by end of August.  

 

  Queen Zeenat Mahal wrote the Company generally to show her loyalty and delivered it to Company’s scout. Though she was heartbroken she was spying for British forces to pave his son Jawan Bakhat’s way to the throne. King Bahadur Shah Zafar was also writing to Company correspondents to discuss the conditions of ceasefire.  

 

‘Adaab dada huzoor,’ Prince Abu Bakar entered king’s room.

 

‘Welcome my dear grandson,’ King smiled looking at him.

 

‘I told you, you can hier any of Mughal swords when you’ll win a state for Mughal Empire but it seemed difficult now,’ Bahadur Shah Zafar said gloomy and signaled his consent on observing Abu Bakar’s attention towards his chest.

 

‘I’ll just see and put it back. I just want to be sure that you don’t bestow my favorite sword to any of your commanders,’ Prince Abu Bakar opened the chest and took out the splendid jeweled sword.

 

‘Don’t worry. It’ll be in your hands at the right time,’ Zafar assured his grandson and asked about the latest position of battle.    

 

 ‘About 30,000 soldiers and 10,000 Ghazis are clustered in Delhi and all gates of the city are tight closed with high security. I’ll also fight with them and win,’ Prince Abu Bakar briefed the king while patting the sharp sword.    

 

Delhi city inside walls 1857

‘InshaAllah,’ King said thoughtfully.

 

‘Now put this sword back,’ King grinned.

 

  ‘Aali ja, what do you say? Can Company forces breach Delhi’s 15-20 feet thick and about 60 feet high walls to enter the city when all 52 gates of the city are also closed with high security,’

 

‘My great grandfather Emperor Shahjahan built this wall to protect it from invaders and the wall did so for centuries but the time has dug up breaches not only in-wall but inside our rows too. No matter how thick they may be but defense walls seem to bow down to more skilled and proficient raiders from outside,’

 

‘You mean that…,’

 

‘I mean nothing. Now you must leave. I’ve to do some work.’ Prince Abu Bakar came out of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s room.

 

‘Ah British think that it has seized us but we’re open to any communication and support from outside. Yamuna River is also free for us. We’re getting everything we want. Soon these British will have to turn back tired and we'll out of city again to clinch their necks,’ Bakhat Khan welcomed the new group of soldiers from South and briefed them about the updates near a checkpost with defensive wall.

 

‘You’re right. Freedom sepoys are in upper hand. We shouldn't be disappointed but Red Fort is not much happy with this,’

 

'They just want to grope everything in their lap without putting an effort. We'll see them afterwards.

For now I've deployed men on towers near Delhi gate with other sepoys. Your men will also among the riders who regularly visit the security gates. We’ve captured few machine guns that are pointing straight to British camps from height to stop any enemy approach. I believe that soon Company forces will flee with monsoon thunderstorm leaving their tired dead bodies here,’ Bakhat Khan explained confidently. 

Freedom sepoys believed that one day or another the British will finish the siege after failing to breach the city’s defensive wall.   

   

   

Freedom fighters were resisting at their best. Heavy artillery was in used from both sides but still British were unable to put a single fringe in the thick wall from any side. Long grass, sharp weeds, and shady trees camouflaged the wall. The company’s soldiers also seemed feeble to weather changes.

 The monsoon entered the battlefield with heavy storms, rain, and humidity which gave the way to deadly insects, snakes, and mosquitoes at every corner.  Sawan and Bhadon(local names of months for July and August) are known to be the months of Allergies and disease all across the subcontinent. Many company soldiers reached medical centers complaining of diarrhea and cholera. The siege continued without the significant mark.

It was raining heavily for two days. Streets were flooded with mud and trees were punched out of land at many places. Princess Hamida Bano came outside Hayat Bakhsh garden when the shower from the sky took a little break. The Jaman trees were loaded with ripen fruits but no one was there to pluck them. No pakoras were being fried at the Royal kitchen as everyone was upset about the situation of the city. Prince Mirza Mughal left on a horse cart to monitor the updates. Soldiers like it or not but he was a crown prince so he had all rights to demonstrate his status. Prince Jawan Bakhat came out of his room putting off his grieve and embarrassment. He opened the cage of pigeons and set them free to feast at the clear blue sky when Prince Abu Bakar passed by him and sang,

 

‘Barey be abroo ho k tarey kuchay say hum niklay’ (we are thrown out of your house disgraced).

 

‘Keep your mouth shut otherwise....’ Prince Jawan Bakhat clutched the pigeon in his hand furious.

 

 ‘Ok…my little chachu(uncle)…I was just consoling at you….barey beabroo ho k….,’ Prince Abu Bakar moved forward and stopped his father Mirza Mughal, whose horse cart was just to leave the Lahori gate. He insisted him to let him sit with them which met in approval from Mirza Mughal.  Prince Jawan Bakhat locked the cage again and went inside quarters to his mother blazing in rage. Princess Hamida Bano looked at Jawan leaving after putting his birds in the cage.

 

‘Ah, these birds are also locked and seized just like us,’ she looked at the fluttering and twittering pigeons.

 

The drizzling started again and she drew out her hand to get a hold of few drops and close her eyes. Lahori gate opened once again for a cart. Mirza Ghalib and Syed Ahmed Khan came out. Princess Hamida looked at them from garden.

She got up looking Syed Ahmed approaching towards her when Mirza Ghalib went inside quarters.

'I hope everything would be fine, inshaAllah,' she asked Syed Ahmed.

‘King Bahadur Shah called Chacha Ghalib for an urgent meeting and Ghalib asked me to accompany him. Now he asked me to wait outside,’ He sat beside on wooden bench.

 

‘Aba Huzoor is upset about the siege of the city. He was not in favor of supporting any uprising from the first day but now all the burden is set on his shoulders,’ Princess Hamida Bano looked down the snail passing by the bench.

 

 ‘Everyone is worried about the situation. Many residents have fled to their hometowns to avoid any predicted scuffles. It’s been a month that the residents of Shahjahanabad are cordoned off. Every second is predictable and the next one is unpredictable. There is a deep bloody silence in the city behind the roar of war,’ Syed Ahmed also followed Hamida’s eyes where the snail was stuck with a large stone. Princess Hamida Bano pushed the stone with her foot. Her anklet chanted the sweet melody in the air.

 

‘Every night has its dawn. I believe these days will also pass…,’ Princess Hamida Bano pushed the stone when her anklet chanted the melodious rhyme in the air.

 

‘Dawn…why not someone thinks about hours of darkness while shining on the sky?’ Syed Ahmed khan cut her up.

 

‘What…you mean that Mughal legacy has passed its dawn, its boom and now it’s time to set off…you mean to say…we didn’t think of…,’ Princess Hamida Bano got up.

 

‘No, not really…,’ Syed Ahmed Khan tried to calm her down.

 

‘Now, I know…why everyone was saying that you’re pro British…you rescued many European families and you don’t have any sympathy with Red Fort but I was a fool to….’ Princess Hamid ran towards rang Mahal crying.

 

‘Ah…how can I tell the folks that my vision may be singular but I’m more nationalist…I’m deep down practicing Muslims with thorough knowledge of Quran than anyone else...I just believe that learning is the only key to unlock the slavery bars other than bloodshed…  I’ve observed and understood many harsh realities from books, from history, from the life that stand me here….,’ Syed Ahmed Khan was hurt after listening to Princess Hamida Bano. He looked for Chacha Ghalib but he was still behind the lobbies of Red Fort.

 

‘The situation is thoroughly in favor of freedom fighters. Most of their pets have reached medical centers cramping of Malaria and Diarrhea. Soon they’ll draw the siege and will move back. The sun of freedom will rise with all its glory soon. These white grabbers will not snub and affront us anymore. We’ll sow, cut, and sell at our lands by our will. We’ll rule at our style according to our religion. Keep up your efforts and swipe all aliens out of India for the sake of freedom,’ Bakhat Khan addressed to his soldiers near Moori gate to boost their energies. 

 

‘My dear soldiers, this is the war of our survival…our revival…and our freedom…stay focused…Red fort will keep assisting you,’ Mirza Mughal also gave the short speech. Not among freedom soldiers but Mirza Mughal had managed to seek back from many notable locals from the city and his intention of the autonomous empire was augmenting day by day bypassing the wayward freedom fighters.

 

 Ghalib entered the adjacent room to Diwaan e khaas. He was visiting the Red Fort for years. His teen years turn to mature guy while reciting poetry at lobbies of the fort.

 

‘Ah…Asad ullah Khan, Mirza Ghalib, my friend…

 

Tum ney kya na yaad kabhi bhool ker humain

 

Hum nay tumhari yaad may sb kuch bhula diya’

 

 

 (You never recalled us while we kept on imagining you all the time),’ King Bahadur Shah grumbled. Ghalib couldn’t stand by Zafar’s gloomy tone and low-voice.

 

 

‘Ishrat-e-qatra hai darya mai fana ho jana

 

Dard ka had to say guzrna hai davaJanajana,’

 

(Every raindrop life terminates when it is lost in the river. Any unbearable pain terminates life following the eternal relief.)

 

Ghalib tried to console his old buddy, the Mughal king of Hindustan Bahadur Shah Zafar who sat in his room vulnerable. 

 

 ‘Ghalib, these eyes have witnessed the every approaching step of East India Company till it shackled the whole Hindustan in its vicious claws. I admit that we had more holes than their looms and we never prepared to halt their step. It is dreadfully painful to observe the giant pillars falling one after another. Now the Mughal Empire is at edge of its collapsed and I’m that unfortunate king who also has to witness this,’ King asked Ghalib to sit aside.

 

‘Aali ja, disappointment is sin. I hope the freedom fighters…,’

 

‘Do you hope…?’

 

‘…I mean…but I’m content that at least we tried…something has shattered our enslaved thoughts…,’ Ghalib replied low.

 

 ‘Apart from war…I’m worried about my brood…I don’t believe in my heirs….if the soldiers win then my heirs will kill each other for the throne or if lose then the end will be the same again…what’ll be the fortune of my family…my princess then…,’ king Bahadur Shah’s voice started trembling.

 

‘Marey huzoor, if you allow me then I want to put a proposal of Syed Ahmed Khan for Princess Hamida Bano. Ahmed met his young age playing and learning with other princes at Red fort in front of our eyes. If you show your consent then I’ll be honored. He's also with me,’ Mirza Ghalib held King’s hands to show his plea.

 

King Bahadur Shah Zafar kept silent for long before announcing the final verdict then got up and walked outside his room. Chacha Ghalib followed him too silent. The air was stopped after pouring the furious rain and suffocation was overwhelming the breaths. King stopped under a group of giant trees that were loaded with sweet yellow mangos. Fort servants were collecting the mangoes from the ground or plucking them from trees. Others were packing them in crates to send to freedom soldiers. King waited for a while and turned to Ghalib amazed.

 

‘Won’t you call the servants to carry the finest mangoes to serve you?’

 

‘I’m too amazed that these sweet yellow darlings are not appealing to me this year. I don’t guess why but I’m making my mind to live without these.’ Ghalib signaled the servant to stop who was approaching them with a bucket where mangoes were drowned in water.

 

  ‘I’m waiting for your reply?’ Ghalib looked at the king.

 

 ‘Syed Ahmed is a good and passionate man. I’m sure that my daughter will be blessed with him,’ King consented after a thoughtful pause.

 

Ghalib left out to tell the good news to Ahmed Khan that sat in the Hayat Bakhash garden gloomy and alone now.

 

‘I know the situation in the city doesn’t allow us to cherish any of our joy but this is a life which has to move on. I’ve fixed your wedding with Princess Hamida in first week of September. I hope you’ll keep my words.’ Ghalib sat against him.

 

The situation in Delhi was turning harsh day by day. Life was practically jammed and shuttered down for the residents for more than a month. The British were amplifying their pressure and fear by continuous attacks to breach the city’s defensive walls. There were also reports of fresh soldiers joining them now.     

 

14^th August 1857

 

The freedom sepoys were on a security visit when they meet the news of the arrival of big aid for Company forces.

          

‘Welcome, General John Nicholson, you made it late but I believe you’ll bang these fake mutineers and will teach them a tough lesson to stand against great and queen of England,’ General in duty welcomed General Nicolson and briefed him about the situation and position of war.

 

‘Their fate has been written at my hands, Sir,’ John Nicholson hurriedly took the control of siege and started to plan for further actions.

 

‘Angeline, they all are guilty who dared to stand against the British might and it would be better if you cleared your mind from any ambiguity,’ Katherine looked direct into her daughter’s eyes when Nicholson joined them and told about their reservations on the ship. ...link to CH#15 

Link to CH# 1

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