Hyder Ali was walking at slow pace in his chamber. Signs of worry was on his forehead. Old Deewan was too there. He was a Hindu. There was deep desolation in the chamber.
“How long the situation will remain as it is,” Deewan disturbed the silence. “How long you will carry on thinking. We have two options—war or treaty. You will not like treaty then war is must.”
“War.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Whom you are waiting for? Warriors of Mysore are waiting for your order.”
“But Deewan. I want Kamruddin should return. It is possible that Nana Pharnavis may be with him. Till now I don’t know the views of Maharashtra.”
“I can tell you the reason of Kamruddin’s delay. Queen Krishna Bai would have accepted the slavery of British but not Nana Pharnavis. I guess he will gathering Maratha army. Your Highness it is not the time to wait. British are shelling heavily. On the other side Nizam military too proceeding towards us.”
‘‘This Nizam is a Viper. He is feigning to be a friend but behaves as an enemy. Now let me know who will lead in war?”
“I shall go Your Highness. Let me be loyal to you. I shall feel pride sacrificing myself for the country.”
“Excellent Deewan. I am proud of you.”
Then Tipu stepped in and said, “I have heard your conversation. Your Highness! If you allow me I have to say something.”
“Yes Tipu. What do you want to say?”
“I will fight the enemy. Deewan need not worry. I will raze the British to the grounds tomorrow.”
“Bravo My Tiger.” May you gain victory and success.”
“Thank you. Now you will see how I raze the house of British to the ground tomorrow.”
There were signs of pride and happiness on the face of Hyder Ali. He embraced Tipu and said, “I am proud that you are my son. World may forget me, but, I shall be always remembered being your father. You will immortalise my name in history. Deewan will also go with you. It will give solace to me.”
“But my wish is to go alone in war. Just imagine when I shall be back after victory then how much happy you will be.”
“But my son…” Hyder Ali put his hands at his shoulders and said flutterly, “How can I send you alone?” British military is huge one and our army is small. My dear Son! So, be careful.”
“Have trust in me Your Highness. I am your son. Your blood is circulating in my veins. In any circumstance I will not let your name blemished.”
There was no response from Hyder Ali. At the moment Deewan interfered, “Tipu! Don’t be obstinate.”
“That mean you don’t have faith in me.”
“No-no my son. It is not so. I know there is a current in Tipu’s sword.” Saying so Deewan embarrassed him and said, “There may be doubt on my own strength but there is no doubt on your valour my child.” Deewan whizzed.
Feeling the sensations of sentiments Hyder Ali’s eyes filled with tears.
On the other side early in the morning Nana Pharnavis ordered Maratha soldiers to march. At the same time a messengers of queen Krishna Bai reached and said, “Victory with Nana.”
“Yes, what is the news?”
“You are marching?”
“Yes.”
“Will you go to Mysore.”
“Yes, enemy is shelling heavily at Mysore.”
“Sir! Queen wants to see you.”
“Alright, come on.”
Nana Pharnavis accompanied him. His Maratha Sardars were following him.
In Royal Court of queen Krishna Bai—
Deep desolation was there. Queen’s sight was at the gate of the hall. Within few moments Nana entered the royal court. Approximately fifty Maratha Sardars were with him. All bowed in respect to the queen. Then Nana Pharnavis took a step forward and requested, “What is the order for me?”
“Are you going to Mysore?’’ Queen asked seriously.
“Yes.”
“Is your decision is fair?”
“Absolutely fair Her Highness. Befriending the British is disastrous. You have done treachery with the country.’’ Fearlessly in a flat tone Nana Pharnavis said, “You did not bother at all.”
“Prime Minister. I am not as innocent who cannot think about right or wrong. My name is Krishna Bai. I am queen of Maharashtra.”
“May god save your dignity. I am not doing any arrogance in your welfare or of the country. If you were worried about country’s independency then you would not have made friendships with British and would have accompanied Mysore. But…”
“Yes…Yes carry on, whatever you want to say.”
“Her Highness, I am sorry to say that you have stood by enemies. This is the deception with the country.”
“To whom you are calling my enemies Nana, they are our true friends and well wishers.”
“British and true friends? Impossible.”
“They are firm to their words and our well wishees too.”
“There is treachery in their every act. They are enemy of this country. They do atrocities and you are calling them your friend.”
“Your are against British hence you are saying so.”
“But I am telling the truth.”
“The British are powerful. They possess power and you wish that by taking enmity with such a mighty force I get my state ruined.”
“Destruction of state is now sure, only difference is that if you oppose they become cruel and by friendship they stab you with love.”
Now Krishna Bai got angry. She stood from the throne and said—“Enough Nana, enough. I do not like to listen any more. Whatever I feel right I did. I warned you do not go against the British. British foe is my foe.”
“If the entire Maharashtra becomes my foe then too I would like to die by hands of my foes. I will never befriend the British. We Marathas are not so weak.”
“Yes-Yes, we shall never back the British.” All of a sudden Maratha Sardars accompanying Nana waved their swords in air. “We will go Mysore.”
Nana raised his hand and indicated his Sardars to keep calm and said, “Her Highness! Pardon me and allow us to go Mysore.”
“Get away from here and don’t show me your face again.” Queen cried in anger.
Before moving out Nana saluted the throne of Maharashtra, turned and proceeded towards the gate.
Hailing motherland rest of the Sardars too followed him.
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