The secret of Shreya

As the meeting came to a close, and some began to gather their papers, Surya stood up once more.

"There's one more thing we need to talk about before we leave," Surya said, his voice cutting through the soft murmurs. The room fell silent again. Nehru, Bose, Ambedkar, and the others turned their attention back to him.

"We've spoken about infrastructure, education, healthcare, and military power," Surya began. "But there's another aspect of our future that we cannot afford to ignore. We must be careful, very careful, about whom we trust moving forward."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "The world is changing rapidly, and new powers are rising. Countries like China, for instance. We cannot, under any circumstances, take the promises or assurances of foreign powers at face value, like British."

Nehru furrowed his brow, his idealism pushing him to believe in the potential for peace through diplomacy. "But Surya," he interrupted softly, "we must engage with other nations, and China is one of our neighbors. Diplomacy and friendship should be our first approach."

Surya nodded but remained firm. "Diplomacy, yes. Friendship, where it is genuine, of course. But we must not be naive. The world respects strength, not empty words. China, like many strong countries, will always pursue its own interests, and we cannot rely on their promises. We must focus on building our own strength, our own capabilities, without relying on the goodwill of others."

He glanced around the room, seeing a few nods of agreement. "History will show you that nations are driven by self-interest. Today, they might say they are our allies, that they will help us develop or protect us. But tomorrow, when it suits them, they'll turn away. We must stand on our own two feet. We cannot depend on anyone else to defend us, feed us, or guide our future."

Bose leaned forward, clearly understanding where Surya was coming from. He had dealt with the shifting alliances of the global powers firsthand. "You're right, Surya. We must always be prepared, no matter what others say."

Surya's tone sharpened as he continued, "By 1965, we must have a robust defense system, strong infrastructure, and most importantly, an economy that is ready for liberalization. Our country must be open to progress, innovation, and modernization. But that doesn't mean surrendering to foreign powers or becoming dependent on their influence."

Nehru's face showed a mixture of contemplation and skepticism. He was a firm believer in the ideals of global cooperation, but even he could not deny the truth in Surya's words.

Surya pressed on, "Our economy needs to be liberalized, yes. But we must do it on our own terms. We should be in control of our industries, our resources, our markets. Let foreign investors come, but they should play by our rules, not the other way around. And we cannot wait forever to do this. By 1965, we must be ready to open up, to modernize, but with our strength at the core."

Ambedkar, who had remained mostly quiet during this part of the discussion, now spoke up. "Surya, you make valid points about independence in all forms—military, economic, and political. But how do you propose we do this, especially in the face of international pressure?"

Surya looked directly at him, his gaze unwavering. "By ensuring we build a strong industrial base, by empowering our people through education and innovation. We must invest in our own capabilities and technology. We have the talent, we have the resources. What we need is the will to push forward."

He glanced back at the rest of the leaders. "Liberalization is not just about opening markets; it's about opening opportunities for our people. But we cannot do it too soon, or too late. If we wait until we're desperate, we'll be forced to make concessions. But if we act strategically, we can shape the future on our terms. By 1965, we need to be prepared—militarily, economically, and politically."

Surya paused, his voice softening but still filled with urgency. "India must stand as a beacon of strength, unity, and progress. We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by the ambitions of other nations, no matter how friendly they may seem. We must learn from history, from the struggles we have faced. The future of India must be built by Indians, and only by us."

The room remained quiet for a moment, each leader reflecting on what Surya had just said. Nehru, although not entirely convinced, knew the wisdom in preparing India for a future that might not be as peaceful as he hoped. Bose, always the pragmatist, understood the importance of power in a volatile world. And Ambedkar saw the clear link between economic independence and the upliftment of all citizens.

Surya took a final glance around the room. "The work we're doing now, with this constitution, with these debates—it's the foundation. But the true test of our leadership will come in the years ahead. And I promise you this: no matter what happens, no matter who wins or loses, I will fight for an India that stands strong, that stands proud, and that stands united."

With those words, Surya sat down, his message clear. The meeting, once again, dispersed slowly.

And Surya was determined to lead India into that future, one step at a time.

Soon the January month passed, and new the month arrived.

2nd February 1949

As Surya returned to Bombay, the city's vibrant energy greeted him with its bustling streets and the warm glow of the setting sun.

It had been months since he last saw Shreya. The long discussions in Delhi about the future of India had consumed his time, but his thoughts would often drift back to her.

She had grown into a fierce, independent woman, leading her own businesses, and carving out a path in a world dominated by men. He admired her strength and ambition, but there was something deeper that pulled him toward her—a connection he couldn't quite put into words.

When he arrived at her office in the heart of Bombay, he found her sitting behind a large mahogany desk, papers strewn about. She was deep in thought, her brow furrowed as she studied the reports in front of her. Surya knocked lightly on the door, and she looked up, surprised to see him.

"Surya!" she exclaimed, standing up quickly. Her face brightened, but there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "I didn't know you were back in Bombay."

"I had some things to finish in Delhi, but now I'm here," Surya said, stepping into the room. "I wanted to see how you were doing."

Shreya nodded, her smile softening. "Busy as always. The steel and construction companies are growing faster than I anticipated. There's so much to manage."

Surya admired her even more as he listened to her talk about her work. She was driven, intelligent, and passionate about her goals. But behind all of that, he could see something else—something more personal, something vulnerable. There was a tension between them, unspoken but palpable.

As they talked, Surya couldn't help but notice the way Shreya's eyes flickered with emotion every time their gazes met. It was as if she was holding something back, unsure of how to express it. And he, too, felt the pull—something that had been building between them for some time.

They moved out onto the balcony of her office, where the cool evening breeze swept over them. The city below buzzed with life, but up here, it was quiet, almost serene. Surya turned to Shreya, who was leaning against the railing, her face bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

"Shreya," he began softly, "I've been thinking about you."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide, as if startled by his directness. "Surya, I…"

Before she could finish, Surya closed the distance between them, his heart pounding. He gently cupped her face in his hands, and in that moment. However as Surya was about to kiss her she pushed in back and.

But just as quickly as the moment had begun, Shreya's mind raced. She wasn't as free-spirited as Surya, wasn't as fearless when it came to matters of the heart. The distance between them—too much, too fast. She felt the weight of expectations, of tradition, and of the life she had built with such careful precision.

Abruptly, she pulled back, her eyes wide with panic. "Surya… I can't… I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling. Without another word, she turned and ran, disappearing through the doorway before Surya could react.

Surya stood there, frozen in place. He hadn't expected her to run. His heart sank as he watched her flee, the distance between them now feeling wider than ever. He had felt something was going on with her. But she had her own choice.

.

.

He leaned against the railing, gazing out at the sprawling city beneath him. Surya understood that Shreya was not like him, not yet ready to embrace the intensity of what had passed between them or many she has always regarded him as her brother not as her fiance.

He wasn't one to give up, but sometimes many thoughts came in his mind, specially spending those two year with her, he tried many times to take initiative but she always rejected. He would give her space, give her time, but if she is really avoided him like this in the future, he has to give up on her. And let her find her own family, that may be different for him.

As for himself, in this world he had always found the relative is Shreya only, and without her, he is alone.

He had already fell in love with her when he saw her for the first time.

Taking out the paper from the pocket, and it was twin paper with the same thing written on it with the two seals. Surya couldn't help but clenched his fist tightly.

It was actually the engagement agreement between him and Shreya, and it was approved by Both of their parents.

He came out from the from the office and sat down on chair outside and watched the sunset.

While watching the sunset, there was a movement in the back.

When Surya turned around, he saw a twenty five years man going towards the office of the Shreya, but he didn't care about it.

It may the investor or client of the Shreya.

"Sir....!" Just he was about to leave, he heard some familiar voice, when he saw and asked in surprise.

"Pawan? What happened, is there anything necessary?" Surya asked in surprise, because he didn't have much contact with him, Pawan can be only consider his subordinates and he had told to take care of the safety of the Shreya.

"Sir, this is about the miss..?" Pawan spoke very low voice.

"Sir please follow me." Pawan lead Surya to somewhere else from the bussy place.

"What happened tell me?" He asked.

"Sir, seven months ago, miss was attacked by those muslim minorities and there were many people in that area. Then an injured man came and asked for the help from the miss."

"However miss didn't agreed first because he was in a very torn cloths and face was swollen but when the miss saw his face from the behind, she examined the whole body of the man, and even had some intimate contact with him...!"

"And from then on miss and that man, usually met with each other when they have time and just few minutes ago, he came to the office of the miss." Pawan lowered his head and said quietly.

Surya listened every words of the Pawan and asked.

"Have you tried to find about that young man?"

"Sir, according to the information I have got, his name is Vijay Chauhan, and he had been same university as miss, when she was in the America. And he son of the XQZ company formed in the 1904 by his father, which is mainly engaged in the mining industry. And he has also marrige contact with Royal family located in the Ahemdabad."

Pawan said all the things that he knew from the information.

"Okay, you can go back." There was no such emotions on the face of the Surya, as this was like never happened anything to him.

Pawan looked at Surya, and couldn't help but felt said for Surya, afterall he was a subordinate of him and knew many things about this.

[A/N : Here, I can only say one thing. Not everything you want, you will get. You needs to sacrifice something.]

As for the female protagonist, there will be no such person.