The battleground had rumours. Some said the Mughals killed him. Some said he escaped, and two soldiers were missing from the Mughal camp as well. The news had reached the forests near Kelwara. The Queen consort broke the gasping silence. Nothing had happened to him. A message was firm and clear. It was a ray of hope to his queens and children. As well as subjects. All was not lost. Her heart thumped nervously. She said a soft prayer in silence. The sound of hooves alerted them. A horse was carrying someone towards them. Unconscious and blood-soaked. Someone shouted, "Ranaji." She rushed to his side. His breaths were very minimal. He managed to open his eyes at her touch.
" Ajab... Chetak!" He managed before fainting again. It took him months to recover in the hideout. From the wounds of the body and heart. From the loss of a companion. She held his hand to heal him.
Mughal rumours flew that he was dead and Amar Singh was fighting in his name. He used the rumours to win back some major camps under his son's name, using guerrilla warfare. It was not until four years later that the Mughals realised he was alive, and they imprisoned his brother Shakti for helping him escape.
~ Suranya