Episode 1.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(sits at the head of a grand marble table)
Raghunandan Gaekwad
(sits opposite)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
The domes of Amargarh still stand, Raghunandan.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
But those seated beneath them have changed.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
(nods slowly)
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Power is no longer in our hands, baba.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
A constitutional monarch must now share his decisions with the people and ministers.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(leans forward, voice sharp)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
There was a time when the king’s word was law.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Now that same king must ask permission before speaking.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Commerce has expanded.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
The king no longer controls the markets.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Those who gained wealth have bought influence.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(thoughtfully)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
That’s why I married your sister to Surya Vardhan.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Vardhan Enterprises is the strongest business house in Amargarh.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Our alliance with them may serve as a wall of protection.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
(grimly)
Raghunandan Gaekwad
That wall has turned into a fortress, baba.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Vardhan’s influence now reaches political circles.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
They are the ones shaping laws against us.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
And on top of that, Indrajit Singhania....
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Becoming Prime Minister was only his first step.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
He has won the people’s faith.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
(leaning forward)
Raghunandan Gaekwad
And now he has become the people’s king.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
The country listens to him.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
The Constitution favors him.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
If this continues, we’ll be kings in name only.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
A day will come when Gaekwads will walk the streets like commoners....
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Those who once held court will fold hands for approval.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Then what do we do?
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Step into politics ourselves?
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Or make compromises?
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(smiling grimly)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
The king must step into politics.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
It is the need of the hour.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
And we will compromise…
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
But on our own terms, not theirs.
A knock at the massive double doors
Bodyguard
Prime Minister Indrajit Singhania has arrived in court.
Bodyguard
He is awaiting your audience.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
(looks at Chandrapratap)
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Baba....
Raghunandan Gaekwad
(slowly stands)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(rises his hands)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(calm but powerful)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Raghunandan… the time has come.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
We can no longer sit back and watch.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
We must stretch our hand and seize power.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Baba, are you saying we step directly into politics?
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Go among the masses and try to win their trust?
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Politics runs in our blood.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
We’ve only forgotten how to play the game.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
This land still knows us.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
In their hearts, the people still respect the name Gaekwad.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
In their memories, we are warriors, emperors, and protectors.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
But will the people follow a king again, Father?
Raghunandan Gaekwad
Times have changed, baba.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Your time has come, Raghunandan.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Step out of this palace.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Establish your influence in every district.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
This will be the first step toward Gaekwad resurgence.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
And Indrajit Singhania?
Raghunandan Gaekwad
He’s the biggest wall in our path.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Every wall has a crack.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
Find his.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(walks closer to Raghunandan)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(places a hand on his shoulder)
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
This war is not just for the kingdom, Raghunandan…
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
It is for the legacy of our bloodline.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
You are not just a prince anymore.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
You are the general.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
I’m ready, baba.
Raghunandan Gaekwad
The people of Amargarh will once again chant the Gaekwad name.
Chandrapratap Gaekwad
(smiles)
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