Chapter 24: Natasha's Battle Report.

In the Nizam's palace, the opulent courtroom buzzes with the energy of courtiers, generals, and advisors engaged in discussions about the recent skirmishes with the British. Tapestries adorn the walls, depicting grand battles and the history of the Deccan, while intricate chandeliers cast a warm glow over the assembly. Suddenly, the heavy wooden doors swing open, and all eyes turn to the figure who enters. A hush falls over the room, as if time itself has paused to take in the unexpected sight.

A woman steps into the hall, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Her face is partly concealed beneath a delicate scarf and veil, her presence striking a contrast against the traditionally male-dominated assembly. This is Natasha—a woman of undeniable beauty and intelligence. As she glides through the room with grace, her almond-shaped eyes sparkle with determination, revealing a fierce spirit within. Her skin has a warm, sun-kissed glow, and high cheekbones give her an air of elegance. Despite the veil obscuring part of her features, her lips, full and expressive, suggest a confidence that commands attention.

Ignoring the stares and whispers surrounding her, Natasha walks straight to Mahbub Ali, the Nizam himself, who sits at the head of the grand room, surrounded by his advisors. She extends her hand, presenting a neatly folded report, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of his royal attire. Leaning closer, she whispers a few urgent words into his ear, her voice low yet steady. In that moment, a spark seems to pass between them, an unspoken understanding forged through their shared commitment to the cause that unites them.

As she delivers her message, her presence brings an air of quiet strength to the courtroom. Natasha is not merely a woman breaking the norms of her society; she embodies a shift in perception. Her actions suggest that intelligence and bravery are not confined to men alone. After a brief moment, she nods respectfully to the Nizam, her eyes reflecting a determination to serve her country, and then exits the courtroom the same way she came, leaving behind an air of intrigue.

The courtiers exchange confused glances, unsure of what they have just witnessed. Mahbub Ali gives them no explanation, instead calmly unfolding the report Natasha has handed him. He glances through its contents, his expression shifting from contemplation to resolve as he prepares to share the news with his court.

"We have defeated the Secunderabad post. Our forces are currently clearing out smaller British outposts in Hyderabad and the nearby regions to ensure they cannot regroup."

Upon hearing this, the courtiers—who had been uncertain about the rebellion's success—now erupted in celebration. The victory at Secunderabad marked a major turning point, one they believed would rally more support to the Nizam's cause.

"This is only the beginning," one advisor said, turning to the Nizam. "Now, others will join us. The people have faith in their Sultan."

Mir Mahbub Ali remained composed, knowing this was just the start of a long campaign. Though the victory was decisive, he was aware of the trials that lay ahead.

"We will strike a serious blow to the British tonight," the Nizam said to his advisors, "not only in Hyderabad but in other regions as well. But be warned—they will not take these losses lightly. We must be ready for retaliation. Stay vigilant."

His orders were clear: celebrate the victory, but prepare for the battles that were certain to follow.

Despite his calm demeanor, there was a glimmer of pride in Mahbub Ali's eyes. His army had proven its worth, and this victory would inspire hope among the people and strike fear in the hearts of their enemies.

Afterward, he handed the report to the court officials for them to examine. While the victory was impressive, it had not come without losses.

Nizam's Army Casualties:

Cavalry: Approximately 150 cavalrymen were lost in the initial charge, with another 600 injured from artillery fire and close-quarters combat.

Infantry: The infantry suffered around 300 fatalities and 700 injuries during intense fighting with the British forces.

Guerrilla forces: These highly mobile, stealth-trained soldiers had minimal losses, with only 11 killed and 120 sustaining minor injuries.

Total losses: 461 soldiers killed, 1,420 injured.

British Forces Casualties:

The British, caught off guard and overwhelmed by the Nizam's well-executed plan, suffered far greater casualties.

Artillery units: Nearly 80% of the British artillerymen were killed during the cavalry assault, resulting in approximately 500 deaths.

Infantry: The British infantry sustained around 1,000 fatalities and 1,500 injuries, with many soldiers surrendering after their lines were broken.

Command staff: Several senior British officers, including Major General Edward Clifton, were killed during the battle.

Total losses: 1,500 British soldiers killed, 2,100 injured, and several hundred captured.

The British cantonment at Secunderabad was left in ruins. Many of their artillery pieces had been either destroyed or captured, and several buildings were reduced to rubble during the intense artillery bombardment. The guerrilla forces also sabotaged British communication lines and supply depots, crippling their ability to mount a coherent defense or call for reinforcements.

The battle of Secunderabad is a decisive victory for the Nizam's forces, both strategically and psychologically. It will definitely shatter the aura of British invincibility and will sent shockwaves throughout the British Raj. For the people of Hyderabad, it ignited hope for freedom and independence, while the British, reeling from the loss, would have to regroup and prepare for the Nizam's next move.

Mahbub Ali, fully aware of the psychological impact of the victory, immediately plans to order the IDN newspaper's Hyderabad branch to publish a detailed account of the battle, carefully designed to stir anti-British sentiments and unite the people against their colonial oppressors.

His instructions will be clear and strategic. The newspaper will emphasize how Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh soldiers, along with their generals, fought with extraordinary unity and bravery. It will highlight stories of comrades sacrificing their lives for one another, regardless of religion, all for the common cause: the defense of their motherland.

"The people must understand that this is not just a Muslim or Hindu fight—this is about India," Mahbub will tell his advisors. "The British need to see that we are united, and so must our people. Write about how they fought shoulder to shoulder, sacrificing their lives to protect their comrades, irrespective of faith. That unity will become our greatest strength."

He will particularly instruct the newspaper to include specific incidents from the battle—where Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh soldiers shielded each other from bullets, pulled their wounded comrades from the battlefield, and laid down their lives to save their brothers-in-arms. These acts of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice will be immortalized in the headlines.

"Highlight these heroic stories," Mahbub will direct the editors. "Let the people see that religion does not divide us in this fight—it unites us. We are all fighting for India."

This propaganda campaign will not only glorify the soldiers' bravery, but also inspire civilians to join the movement. Mahbub Ali understands that public morale and unity will be crucial in sustaining the rebellion against the British. He intends for the newspaper to become the rallying voice of the resistance.

The IDN's writers will describe in vivid detail how soldiers from different faiths fought as one, smashing through British defenses at Secunderabad. One story will feature a Muslim soldier who throws himself in front of a British bayonet to save his Hindu companion. Another will tell of a Sikh officer who, despite being injured, drags two of his comrades—one Muslim and the other Hindu—out of the line of fire.

The reports will paint a picture of a united Indian force, no longer divided by religious lines, but bound together by the love of their land and a shared determination to overthrow British rule. Mahbub will want these stories to spread like wildfire through Hyderabad and beyond, igniting a collective spirit of resistance in the hearts of the people.

A special section of the newspaper will honor the fallen, listing the names and backgrounds of soldiers who died in battle. A Hindu cavalryman who saved the life of a Muslim infantryman will be among the honored, as will a Sikh officer who led a daring charge against British artillery, sacrificing his life in the process.

Mahbub's orders will also include a broader message aimed at the general public, calling for unity across all communities in Hyderabad and beyond. "This fight isn't just about Secunderabad," one article will read. "It's about the future of India. Our mothers, sisters, and children are depending on us to drive the British out. Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh—we must stand together and show the world that India is united."

At the end of every page, the newspaper will feature Mahbub Ali's own words, calling for an immediate uprising against the British:

"We fight as brothers, for our motherland. Our enemy is not each other—it is the oppressor who divides us. Stand with me, and together, we will reclaim India from the British. Unity is our greatest weapon."

This propaganda campaign will surely spread rapidly. Mahbub knows that the British, too, will feel the sting of this new movement. Reports of the growing unity among India's diverse population will trouble them. For years, the British have relied on divisions within India to maintain control, but now they will face a united front—one strengthened by a powerful narrative of brotherhood and shared purpose.

Mahbub Ali's strategy of fostering unity and promoting anti-British sentiment will undoubtedly succeed. This propaganda campaign will become the heartbeat of the rebellion, spreading hope and determination throughout Hyderabad and beyond.

But Mahbub knows that this is only the beginning. Secunderabad marks the first victory, but the war for India's future is just beginning.

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Important Note;

Natasha's choice to wear the scarf and veil in front of others was solely her own, a mark of loyalty and respect for Mahbub Ali. She felt that as the person of Nizam only Nizam has the right to see her true appearance. This was not only her choice; other secretaries of Mahbub also made this decision, it was a subtle acknowledgment of their unique bond with the Sultan. Only Mahbub's mother, father, and a few loyal maids knew the original appearances of Natasha and the other secretaries; no one else had that knowledge. Savitri also made the same choice. Knowing this, Mehbub also didn't stopped as he himself is a possessive person, Not conservative but possessive. But he also gave them choice; whenever they want to remove it they can remove it.