"is it radio?" someone asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Varun shook his head. "No," he replied, his voice calm and precise, "it is a walkie-talkie."
Narayan Savarkar's eyes widened, a flicker of shock crossing his face.
As a figure of authority within the Hindu Mahasabha, he was aware of the walkie-talkie—a device used exclusively by the British authorities for their specialized secret service.
"But…" he stammered, "those are already within the secret network of the British Empire. What difference would it make?"
"By utilizing walkie-talkies," Varun explained, his voice gaining a sharp edge, "we can leapfrog over most organizations and political powers."
"The British Empire holds a monopoly on this technology, giving them a significant advantage."
"Simply possessing it would put us ahead of everyone, except British India itself in terms of rapid message communication."
"But what I intend to build," he added, a hint of something more in his tone, "might shock you."
"Why?" Narayan asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Because," Varun replied, "I will upgrade the underlying technology, significantly increasing its coverage area."
"And how far will this coverage extend?" someone asked, his voice filled with skepticism. "What is the range of the British Empire's walkie-talkies?"
"Approximately 1.5 kilometers," Varun stated.
"And yours?" Narayan asked, his voice laced with anticipation.
"Up to 50 kilometers, for now," Varun replied, his words echoing through the stunned silence that followed.
"Is it even possible?" someone asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Varun replied, his tone calm and assured, "Yes, it is possible. The technology exists within this time. We simply need to modify the design, replace certain components, and optimize its functionality."
He paused, his expression turning slightly serious. "However," he added, "it will require rare materials—materials that are difficult to acquire. And to build and design them, we would need the components, which are also made up of different materials."
Narayan fell into deep thought, his brow furrowed. Finally, he spoke. "Then, how do we proceed with this?" he asked.
"I will purchase the necessary materials," Varun replied, his voice firm.
"Money is not an issue. However, we need to establish a secret and secure trade channel. I leave that to you, as you have the backing of a large organization."
"Very well," Narayan agreed.
"But to build and research all this, we need a secure location—a place where we can work in secrecy, without drawing unwanted attention."
"What kind of secret place are you envisioning?"
"It must be completely enclosed, accessible only through a single door, and a secret door," Varun specified. "It should be in a location that doesn't arouse suspicion, and large enough to accommodate the production of these devices. It should also be easily accessible to all of us."
A troubled silence descended upon the group.
Finding a place with all those requirements seemed impossible.
After a moment of contemplation, Narayan asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
"We could use a cave, or an underground hideout," Varun suggested.
Narayan's eyes lit up. "Yes! Why didn't we think of that?" He paused, his enthusiasm fading.
"But there are no caves nearby. And even if there were, they would likely be deep within the forests, which would be too dangerous."
"Then let us build an underground hideout," Varun proposed.
"Agreed," Narayan said, "but where?"
"Why not here?" someone suggested, gesturing around the courtyard.
"This place is already enclosed by high walls, and everyone knows it's our usual meeting spot."
"No one would suspect anything if we gathered here."
"We have ample space; we can simply dig a tunnel from within the house, leading to an expanded underground chamber."
A wave of excitement swept through the group. "Why didn't I think of that?" they exclaimed, their faces filled with renewed energy. The decision was made.
With their plan solidified, preparations commenced immediately.
Varun instructed them to hire a trustworthy blacksmith, to whom he would provide designs for specialized tools, optimized for underground excavation.
Fortuitously, one of the group members' father was a skilled blacksmith.
He eagerly relayed Varun's tool designs and commissioned the creation of over a hundred of each tool.
Simultaneously, they hired carpenters to begin crafting the necessary timber supports, which would be essential for reinforcing the underground structure.
Varun also tasked one of the men to procure sturdy metal frames and planks, which would serve as the underground chamber's pillar and roof supports, ensuring its structural integrity.
Meanwhile, they began accumulating a substantial water reserve.
Large matkas, earthen pots, were filled to the brim, and the existing cement tubs, commonly used for storage at the time, were repurposed.
This water would be crucial for softening the earth during the excavation, allowing for easier digging and preventing the ground from becoming too hard and compacted.
After two days of tense anticipation, the blacksmith, accompanied by his son, began delivering the tools, batch by batch, under the cloak of midnight.
He had managed to complete the order ahead of schedule, thanks to the combined efforts of his apprentices and himself, who had worked tirelessly, foregoing rest to expedite the process.
While the tools were numerous, their designs were relatively simple, allowing for rapid production.
Varun offered the blacksmith payment, but the man steadfastly refused. "I know that whatever you are undertaking is for the good of our people," he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "I will not charge for such a noble cause."
Varun insisted, but the blacksmith remained resolute. Eventually, he relented, accepting only half the offered sum. "If you require any further assistance," he said as he departed, "simply ask my son to call for me."