Rewari kingdom, Khera vilge , Morning of 8th march 1557

  After the distribution of food supplies, the vilgers were given time to prepare meals. Aditya had even arranged for the military chefs to prepare simple khichdi (a rice and dal stew) for those who cked the means to cook for themselves. Soon the vilge showed signs of normalcy.

  Once the immediate needs of the vilgers were addressed, Aditya retreated to the newly constructed Kisan Sahayak (Farmer Welfare) office. The office, though basic and simple, had been made as comfortable as possible with a makeshift chair and a desk tailored to his preferences. Aditya settled into the space, noting its vast emptiness. Despite its simplicity, the office was kept neat and orderly.

  Meenakshi sat quietly on a nearby chair, her demeanor calm and composed as she awaited the arrival of the first vilger. Her modesty and poise contrasted sharply with Aditya's preconceived notions of royalty.

  "Are you comfortable, Princess? Do you need anything?" he asked, trying to break the silence.

  To his surprise, Meenakshi responded with a reassuring smile. "I'm quite alright, Prince. Your concern is appreciated, but I am comfortable."

  Aditya, sensing her composure and the weight of the task ahead, took out a folded piece of paper from his pocket and passed it before resettling down.

  The sudden appearance of the paper startled Meenakshi momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure. As she unfolded it, she saw the list of sensitive questions, that only a woman could ask another woman.

  Meenakshi's eyes flickered with understanding, acknowledging the necessity of such questions for gathering honest feedback .

  The office wooden door creaked open, and a frail-looking man entered. His worn clothing and anxious demeanor reflected the hardships he had endured. He made his way directly to a stool pced in front of Aditya, positioning himself to be within easy reach for questioning.

  Shortly after, a woman approached, her face marked with curiosity. Seeing Meenakshi's encouraging gesture, she hesitantly approached the desk, ready to address her concerns.

  Soon, the line of vilgers formed outside the office under the watchful eyes of guards stationed nearby.

  Inside the office, the interrogation session began. Aditya and Meenakshi listened intently as the vilgers took turns sharing their concerns and stories.

  As the vilgers spoke, the volumes of their horror made it painfully clear how deeply they had been misguided by the former leadership through and through:

  At beginning, the reforms introduced by Aditya brought a wave for happiness to the commoners even though it greatly upset the zamindar for the oppressive nd and tax ws against him.

  Also, the previous Nayak's (lord) efforts to enforce these reforms had reduced his contact and influence as the new police force was created to maintain order and the soldiers were called back to their mahal (fiefdom) . Additionally, new schools had been established and the Kisan Sahayak office, under government-approved watchers, had begun its work. The vilge priest even agreed to teach in Devanagari for a fee, furthering education despite the strained circumstances.

  Yet, all progress had been upended with the sudden death of the lord and the ascension of his cousin. The new lord's indifference led to the withdrawal of the watchers, and the officials who repced them were unresponsive.

  The zamindar, emboldened by this vacuum, resumed his oppressive ways. To add salt to the wound, the Kisan Sahayak office announced that recimed nds would be taken back and loans given to farmers would incur high interest. This news sparked protests, but the vilgers' attempts to speak with the new lord became unfruitful as he bmed the royal regime for such changes.

  The mounting resentment eventually drove the vilge to join the lord as rebel group. Following the rebels' defeat, the zamindar's brutality escated. To save their own skin even the police force turned into his private army.

  Boldened by unchecked power he began harassing women who went outside for chores and didn't even spared the vilge priest's daughter who was forcibly taken by the zamindar and never seen again.

  The noble priest's attempt was brutally subdued which led the outburst of young butcher, suspected to be in a retionship with the priest's daughter, almost killing the zamindar.

  Though the butcher was initially beaten by the zamindar's men, he was ter released after the tide of conflict turned. The butcher led a group that burned down the zamindar's houses and ter joined the police force.

  Meanwhile, the girl's father, despite being heartbroken, continued his daily worship as temple priest and used his medical knowledge to help the locals.

  The vilgers had endured many hardships, yet the priest and the butcher, despite their caste differences, had continued their selfless service

  By the time the session ended it was already noon.

  Aditya leaned back in his chair, reflecting on the stories he had heard. He gnced at Meenakshi, who had absorbed simir testimonies from the vilge women recounting their own horrors.

  She sighed and replied with empathy, "Perhaps it's time to leave, your highness. It's all we can do for now."

  To her surprise, Aditya stood up and approached the door, looking out at the vilge. "It's manageable. One day is enough."

  Meenakshi's POV

  If there was one word Meenakshi could use to describe Aditya, it was genius. Initially, she felt puzzled with his motives, but as events unfolded, she was left in awe of his strategic brilliance. His policies were simple but unheard.

  After the session ended, Aditya sent a pigeon post, presumably to the fort, and wasted no time in administering justice. He contacted Havildar Brijesh and swiftly arranged for the stage to be set. The bound zamindar and his followers were brought to the center of the vilge square, surrounded by soldiers and scrutinized by the vilgers' angry gazes.

  She was impressed by how Aditya emphasized the importance of upholding w and order, insisting that justice should not be taken into their own hands. His judgment was thorough as he detailed all the crimes committed by the zamindar and his men.

  She found it intriguing how Aditya questioned the culprits about their guilt. It was unusual, but under the intense pressure, they had no choice but to admit their crimes and plead for forgiveness. Aditya's decision was uncompromising: they were to be hanged until death. The swift execution of his order was met with the vilgers' praise and approval.

  The impact of this justice was immediate. The hostile crowd began chanting Aditya's name, transforming from a group of resentful civilians into loyal subjects. It was fascinating to witness how a single decision could turn the tide of public sentiment.

  What surprised Meenakshi the most was Aditya's demeanor. Unaffected by the praise, he proceeded with the next steps as if they were part of a meticulously pnned strategy. He addressed the crowd, praising the priest and the butcher as heroes for their defiance against onsught of tyranny.

  The reactions from the priest and the butcher were a mix of gratitude and nervousness, but the crowd's response was overwhelmingly positive. The real surprise came when Aditya coaxed them into running for the position of Sarpanch in the name of justice and public service. Both accepted, although it was unclear who would be the Sarpanch when the post was only one.

  In a surprising move, Aditya announced a vote to decide the Sarpanch. The process was swift, and the priest won by two votes. Despite his loss, the butcher was appointed as the Chief of Police Guards.

  To bance the power, Aditya ordered the construction of a wooden edict outlining ws for murder, rape, theft, harassment, cheating, and sedition.

  He wisely stated that the Sarpanch would enforce these ws, while the Chief of Police Guards would ensure adherence to the protocols and take necessary actions. Both posts would be temporary and electable within three years, allowing the vilgers to choose their leaders and ensuring accountability. The crowd's joyous reaction confirmed the effectiveness of this system, and the priest agreed to it with enthusiasm.

  Meenakshi was struck by the potential of the system. The concept of temporary, electable positions was revolutionary, and witnessing it firsthand was fascinating. She was deeply impressed by Aditya's ability to implement such transformative changes.

  However, she doubted if it would be effective in handling complicated affairs.

  By the time all this was accomplished, evening had approached, and Meenakshi felt her stomach protest in hunger. She refrained from expressing it, observing Aditya, who continued addressing the vilgers.

  When the core issues were finally addressed, the vilgers brought up the nd distribution matter. Aditya announced that the rge nd would be divided into two parts: bigger one for collective farming and the smaller one for individual use.

  This would allow for increased yield and shared profit, while personal plots would cater to individual farming needs. The vilgers were overjoyed at this promise. Aditya also pledged to appoint someone to guide the farming and pced its all jurisdiction under the newly appointed Sarpanch, who agreed willingly.

  As dusk fell, a caravan of supplies arrived at the vilge, delivering six months' worth of rations and some cattle for public distribution, and a contingent of 100 repeat crossbowmen and musketeers for security. The arrival of men in blue uniform with precise formation was met with awe and excitement.

  The crowd's happiness was palpable. An elder draped a garnd around Aditya's neck, and the vilgers rejoiced. They requested a feast for the prince, and Aditya, graciously accepting, allowed the celebration to proceed. Meenakshi, relieved that she would not starve whole day, joined in the festivities.

  As the dishes were served, the vilgers prepared a stage for a local jatra, a drama performed in their dialect. Under the flickering campfire light, Meenakshi enjoyed a gss of ssi (buttermilk), her gaze fixed on Aditya. He was still engaged in conversation with elderly women, receiving their blessings with humility.

  Aditya, feeling slightly awkward under Meenakshi's unwavering gaze, decided to take a break.

  He grabbed a gss and moved to sit on the grass nearby, his eyes momentarily captivated by her enchanting beauty.

  Her gaze was fixed on him with an intensity that made his heart flutter. She looked utterly charming with her rge, admiring eyes and the way she rested her head on her folded hands.

  The admiration in her eyes felt familiar, and though Aditya understood the implications, he chose to change the subject to avoid any complications.

  "I hope the princess won't mind staying the night here. It's already quite te."

  Startled by the question, Meenakshi snapped back to reality. "It's alright, Prince. I can adjust anywhere."

  But soon her mood dampened when Aditya suggested for separate arrangements. It was contrary to what she had anticipated, but she complied, hoping that some miracle would happen.

  Feeling the warmth of his company, Meenakshi inquired, "Your Highness, what are you hoping to achieve with these measures?"

  Aditya, gazing into the flickering fmes of the campfire, replied, "To set an example."