Safavid empire, Fort city of Isfahan , afternoon of 10th march 1557.

  In the magnificent hall of the Safavid capital, Isfahan (present city of Iran), the court of Shah Tahmasp I was in session. Persian influence was evident in every detail, from the richly embroidered curtains to the intricate carpets that adorned the floor. Shah Tahmasp, resplendent in his regal attire, presided over the day's proceedings.

  Vizier (prime minister) Ardashir steps forward, holding a scroll. He clears his throat before speaking.

  "Shahanshah-e samat, I bring forth the report on the recent skirmishes with the Ottoman forces. Our troops have faced fierce resistance in the key trading areas of the western frontier. Despite our strategic efforts, the situation remains at a stalemate. The Ottomans have fortified their positions, causing significant disruptions to our trade routes."

  Shah Tahmasp's eyes narrowed. He inquires with darkened expression.

  "How severe is the damage, General? And what is the current status of our positions?"

  General Reza Khan gnced at the detailed map id out in the scroll in his hand.

  "Our control over the strategic trading posts in the Caucasus and parts of Mesopotamia has been severely challenged. The Ottomans have fortified their positions, and while we have managed to hold some ground, the situation remains precarious."

  Shah Tahmasp's brow furrows as he absorbs the information, a tense silence enveloping the court.

  "This is troubling news. What is the current status of our trade routes? And what measures have we taken to counter the Ottomans' advances?"

  Vizier Ardashir replied in tense demeanour, "My Shahanshah, we have mobilized additional troops and are working to secure alternative routes. However, trade revenues from our eastern borders have been impacted due to recent developments. If it pleases my Shahanshah, Minister Farhad has more details on this matter."

  Intrigued, Shah Tahmasp gestured for Minister Farhad to proceed. Farhad stepped forward, holding a scroll, his expression grave.

  "My Shahanshah, we have received troubling intelligence. The Mughal Empire has suffered significant losses in Hindustan (India). These Mughals have now established themselves in the Kabul and Sindh regions and have renamed their remaining territory as the Pakistan Sultanate."

  A murmur of shock and intrigue rippled through the crowd, with gasps and whispered conversations spreading among the courtiers.

  Minister Farhad continued, "Following their new establishment, there has been a decrease in the influx of traders. The new leadership is imposing heavy taxes on traders, and those who fail to comply are facing harassments like blockade or even looting."

  Disdain and critical comments about the newly formed Pakistan Sultanate echoed among the courtiers, but Shah Tahmasp silenced the assembly with a commanding gesture.

  He was surprised and asked Vijier with stern voice, "Vizier, why was I not made aware of this development earlier? This is a matter of great importance."

  Seeing Vijier bewildered, one of his advisors, Minister Ali , stepped forward to expin. "My Shahanshah, due to the ongoing conflicts with the Ottomans, it was deemed necessary to focus solely on regional affairs. It was your directive to prioritize matters reted to our western borders, and thus, information about the Mughals' situation was withheld."

  Shah Tahmasp's face shows a mixture of amusement and contemption. He looks toward to his two sons Ismail and Khodabanda, whose interest is clearly piqued by the news. Their expressions revealed their concern and curiosity. He inquires them for their opinion.

  "Very well. I would like to hear the opinions of our Shehzades on this matter."

  All eyes turned to the princes, keen to see how their thoughts would shape the future.

  Khodabanda, the elder and potential successor, spoke with confidence, "I believe this is an opportune moment to settle the Mughals once and for all. They have lost significant territories and are weakened. By defeating them, we can secure a direct border to Hindustan."

  Nods of approval and murmurs of agreement spread among the courtiers. Shah Tahmasp looked pleased but turned to Ismail, the more reserved younger prince.

  "Ismail, what is your view on this situation?"

  Ismail first greeted his father and then the court, acknowledging the assembled officials before speaking. "My Shahanshah, I believe attacking Pakistan at this juncture could be premature. We ck detailed information about their strength. Moreover, I have credible intelligence that their recent losses were not due to weakness but because of a significant change in the battlefield circumstances."

  The court fell into intrigue. Khodabanda scoffed quietly, "Perhaps my younger brother is too easily swayed by rumors from traders of uncertain origins."

  Ismail countered calmly, "A leaf does not move without wind. There must be a reason behind their existence."

  A tense silence followed as the brothers stared each other down. Shah Tahmasp interjected, "You are in court; maintain decorum and do not speak out of turn."

  Both princes bowed in apology.

  Shah Tahmasp fixed his gaze on Ismail, his voice demanding crity. "Expin what you know, Ismail. What factors are influencing the current situation?"

  Ismail responded, "From my sources, I've learned that a bastard son of the rebel Emperor has kidnapped the Badshah. In exchange for his release, the Mughals ceded significant territories to the infidels in Hindustan."

  Shah Tahmasp's face lit up with hearty ughter. "So, the Sunni bastards lost their Badshah in the midst of battle! How unexpected!"

  'HAHAHAHAHAHA'

  His ughter echoed through the hall, lightening the mood. "Let there be a royal feast for everyone tonight!"

  The court was abuzz with excitement at the prospect of a celebration.

  Khodabanda got pissed off with the sudden developments. He knew better than anyone how much of a snake his own brother was, and with the way things were going, he would get more limelight and praise from their father.

  Eager to make his presence felt, he addressed with politeness. "But Shahanshah, I advise caution. This news has not yet been verified. It might be premature to take it at face value."

  He cast a gnce toward Vizier Ardashir, seeking support. The Vizier, who had been caught off guard, interjected, "Yes, Shahanshah, while the information is intriguing, it is highly unlikely that a Mughal Badshah would be so easily captured or killed. Our report shows no such event, and given our historical rivalry, it seems improbable."

  Shah Tahmasp's gaze sharpened as he turned to the Vizier. "Are you suggesting that such an event is entirely impossible?"

  Vizier Ardashir hesitated, clearly uncomfortable under the Shah's intense scrutiny. He stammered, "No, my Shahanshah, it is not entirely impossible, but it is indeed very unlikely."

  The Vizier's response seemed to only add to the tension in the room, further embarrassing Khodabanda. Shah Tahmasp's eyes narrowed in contemption, his expression reflecting both frustration and curiosity.

  Shah Tahmasp pondered for a moment before addressing Ismail again. "What is your opinion regarding the issue with traders? As you know, our economy relies heavily on trade. With the way the Mughals, or rather the Pakistanis, are handling it, we cannot remain silent."

  Ismail, bowing respectfully, said, "My Shahanshah, I propose we send a delegation for a formal protest to express our stance while maintaining the peaceful accord. Simultaneously, we should focus on Balochistan, which has been a buffer zone. This way we can test the waters before full scale attack and gauge their reaction. ."

  Shah Tahmasp looked impressed. "A commendable suggestion. What say the other courtiers?"

  General Reza Khan supported, "Indeed, Shahanshah, this would be a strategic move. We are the primary power in this region, and Pakistan will have little influence while they are still reeling from their losses. Baloch tribes wont be a challenge."

  Another general, Riash Khan, added, "However, Shahanshah, Balochistan is rgely arid and may stretch our military resources thin."

  A heated debate ensued between General Reza and Riash. Shah Tahmasp intervened to silence them.

  Turning back to Ismail, Shah Tahmasp said, "It seems both General Reza's enthusiasm and your points indicate thorough preparation. Ismail, I appoint you to oversee the integration of Balochistan into our empire. Vizier Ardashir, send a delegation to Pakistan for our formal protest and gather as much intelligence as possible. We will bide our time until we are fully prepared."

  The court reacted with mixed feelings. Ismail's supporters saw his appointment as a sign of his capability, while others began plotting against him.

  However, the shah was not done and amid this political intrigue, his next question drew attention.

  He leaned forward with his eyes filled curiosity, "Do you know the name of the bastard prince who kidnapped the Badshah?"

  Ismail replied with a nod, "It is Aditiah."

  Shah Tahmasp raised an eyebrow and leaned back slightly, puzzled.

  With a slight frustration he inquired, "What kind of name is Aditiah? What does it mean?"

  A Muslim schor, Imam Ahmad, stepped forward with a bow and answered respectfully.

  "Shahanshah, the name should be Aditya means 'sun,' which we call 'khorsheed' in Persian."

  Shah Tahmasp nodded thoughtfully, considering this revetion. He tapped his fingers on the armrest of his throne, deep in thought. Then he decres.

  " Send a delegation to Hindustan. We will seek an alliance. Nusrat shall be the delegate."

  The entire court was taken aback by this sudden decision. Even Ismail could not maintain his composure, his eyes widening with concern.

  "But Shahanshah, they are infidels. "

  Shah Tahmasp's eyes glinted with determination. He leaned back in his throne, stretching his arms over the armrests.

  "No, he is our Khorsheed, the sun that has eclipsed the glory of the Mughals. I wish to see him for myself. Bring him to me, even if it takes years. This delegation will be just the beginning."

  A hush fell over the court as Shah Tahmasp's decration sank in. Some courtiers exchanged worried gnces, while others leaned in to whisper among themselves, their faces reflecting a mix of shock and curiosity.

  Questions lingered: What kind of alliance with an infidel could the Shah be seeking? But nobody dared to question, as they knew their Sultan's politics could be twisted and unpredictable, possibly aimed at entering Hindustan.