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- Samrat Bhavan, Delhi -
- September 1, 1936 -
The meeting had stretched for hours, the weight of their discussions shaping the course of Bharat's future. As the final strands of conversation wove together, Aryan leaned forward, his voice measured and firm.
"We have clarity on our course of action," he said, his gaze moving across the room. "What we have discussed must now be followed through without delay. The time for words is over—we act now."
Sardar Patel gave a sharp nod. Bose, his expression resolute, folded his arms across his chest. Aryan's parents remained silent but watchful, knowing the gravity of what lay ahead.
"The next step," Aryan continued, "is forming a constitutional committee at the earliest. Bharat's governance must be built on a strong foundation, with capable individuals framing our constitution. We cannot afford delays."
He turned his attention to his parents. "I have compiled a list of revolutionaries and intellectuals who have the wisdom and integrity needed for key roles in the interim government. I trust you both to go through it, verify their capabilities, and oversee their selection. These positions must be filled by those who are truly dedicated to Bharat."
His mother, Anjali Rajvanshi, exchanged a glance with her husband before nodding. "We'll see to it immediately, Aryan. Those who take these roles must be more than just qualified—they must have the heart to serve."
Surya Rajvanshi, always a man of action, added, "We have worked too hard for this moment to allow the wrong people to take charge. I'll make sure only the best stand by your side."
Satisfied, Aryan shifted his focus to Bose. "Subhash, I want you to take the position of Defence Minister."
Bose's brows lifted slightly, but Aryan pressed on. "The British Indian Army is now the Armed Forces of Bharat. Our military must be restructured—disciplined, modernized, and completely independent of foreign influence. We need a strong army, a capable air force, and a formidable navy. You are the best person to oversee this transformation."
Bose exhaled, leaning back as he absorbed Aryan's words. "Many of our best men left the British forces to fight for true freedom. They stood against the empire when it mattered most. If we bring them into our ranks now, they will form the backbone of our new military."
Aryan nodded. "Exactly. We need those who fought with us, who understand what it means to serve Bharat, not a foreign ruler."
A moment passed before Bose inclined his head. "I'll do it. We'll build a military that no nation will dare challenge."
A sense of finality settled over the room. The major decisions had been made. What came next would be the true test of their vision.
Aryan pushed his chair back slightly. "Then we move forward. There is no turning back now."
Each person at the table understood the weight of those words. And with that the meeting came to an end.
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- September 10, 1936 -
Time moved swiftly, and before anyone realized it, September 10 had arrived. The past few days had been a whirlwind of political shifts and preparations. Everyone had their tasks, and the momentum of change continued to build.
Sardar Patel, with Aryan's backing, had succeeded in taking control of the Congress, despite protests from Gandhi and Nehru. However, Aryan's strategic use of his secret network ensured that Congress rallied against Nehru. Many of Nehru's supporters, exposed with irrefutable proof of their seditious activities, were arrested. Patel's influence expanded rapidly, solidifying his leadership within the party. The same strategy was applied to both the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League, with many of their members being drawn into the two emerging political blocs—BSS and the reformed Congress.
Beyond politics, Bharat's bureaucratic and administrative structure needed serious reforms. The colonial system had left behind inefficiencies and rampant corruption, but Aryan knew that tackling this issue had to wait until unification was complete. For now, he, along with his parents and Shakti—who had stepped in to assist with administration—focused on selecting capable individuals for key positions in the interim government.
Meanwhile, Subhash Chandra Bose had successfully consolidated his influence over the armed forces. Restructuring efforts were well underway, with the selection of officer ranks and the appointment of key positions, including a Chief of Defence Staff and individual service chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Alongside this, the military was undergoing modernization, adapting to Aryan's vision for a stronger and more advanced Bharat.
Karna had been entrusted with a critical task—leading the superpowered forces comprised of mutants and Inhumans. His mission was to monitor Hyderabad, Kashmir, Junagarh, and the foreign enclaves within Bharat's borders. Diplomatic warnings and negotiations had been issued, but responses were mixed. While Jammu and Kashmir seemed to be genuinely considering integration, Hyderabad, Junagarh, and the European-held territories remained defiant, a mistake that would not go unpunished.
New intelligence soon emerged from within the Muslim League. Jinnah had begun secret discussions with the British, hinting at potential collaboration. The implications of this alliance were grave. This crucial information reached Karna while he was stationed in a hidden outpost near Delhi, overseeing his specialized forces. As he analyzed the details, he knew that Aryan had to be informed immediately—Bharat's enemies were making their moves, and the time for decisive action was fast approaching.
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- Samrat Bhavan, Delhi -
- September 10, 1936 – Noon -
A knock on the heavy oak doors of Aryan's office in Samrat Bhavan broke the silence. He looked up from the documents before him, his sharp blue eyes already anticipating who it was. "Enter."
Karna stepped in, his expression unreadable but his movements brisk. The flickering lamplight cast sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the intensity in his gaze. Without preamble, he placed a small dossier on Aryan's desk and spoke in a low, firm tone.
"The British and Jinnah are making their move. The sources in the Muslim League confirm that secret discussions have begun between them. Whatever their plans are, they won't be favorable to Bharat."
Aryan's jaw tightened. He had expected resistance, but for Jinnah to collaborate with the very oppressors they had fought against—it was both disappointing and predictable. His fingers tapped against the wooden desk as he processed the implications.
"Then we don't wait," Aryan said decisively. He pushed the documents aside and met Karna's gaze head-on. "You will take your force and act at once. Hyderabad, Junagarh, and the foreign enclaves have ignored our diplomatic warnings. They believe they can stall for time and resist our rule. We will show them the cost of their arrogance."
A slow, wicked smile spread across Karna's face, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Aryan leaned forward, his voice unwavering. "Bring them to their knees, Karna. At utmost haste. If they refuse to acknowledge my authority, then they will learn to fear it."
Karna simply nodded, stepping back as his form shimmered. Light bent around him in a dazzling display, and before another word could be spoken, he vanished in a burst of brilliance, leaving only the faintest afterimage behind.
Aryan exhaled slowly, his gaze lingering on the spot where Karna had stood. The first decisive blow in this confrontation had been set in motion. Now, it was only a matter of time before the world understood the true strength of Bharat under his rule.
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