1996 : I become the Prime Minister Of India

Chapter : 40; The guests

25/01/1997

Above Delhi, the sky had acquired shades of orange as the winter sun went down and stretched long shadows on the sprawling tarmac of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. A unique scene was witnessed on this day, as the arrival of dignitaries took place from five powerful nations - Israel, Russia, Japan, France, and Germany. They came not to merely join in the joy of India's Republic Day but to forge more relations with a nation rising steadily in the comity of nations.

The then Indian Prime Minister Animesh himself stood on the red carpet, silhouetted against the glow of the airport floodlights, in a simple white suit befitting the occasion, looking exuding with quiet confidence.

The first aircraft to arrive bore Israeli insignia. Down the steps of the aircraft strode the pragmatic hard-nosed Israeli Defense Minister. His eyes, razors, cut through the fog of the welcoming party and rested on Animesh.

"Prime Minister Yadav," he said extending his hand, "thank you for inviting us to this momentous occasion."

"It's a pleasure having you," said Animesh, extending a warm, firm hand. "We have much to talk about during the days ahead, but let us first see that you enjoy a pleasant stay."

Next came Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Defense, from the big Ilyushin aircraft. The tall and imposing Russian head bobbed in acknowledgement as he strode towards Animesh.

"India's warmth is always equaled only by its stature," he said in a deep accented voice.

"We are proud to welcome old friends," Animesh said.

Within minutes, a jet from the Government of Japan landed. The Foreign Minister of Japan alighted with a host of senior officials responsible for trade and technology, each one bowing low.

"Prime Minister Yadav," the Minister said, "it is an honour to be part of your country's celebration of democracy."

"The honor is ours," Animesh replied with due respect, "and I look forward to forging new bonds with Japan."

The fourth aircraft, sleek and silvery-a big Airbus-carried the French Defense Minister with their Ambassador in India. In immaculate style and tact, the delegation of France now came forward and greeted the Prime Minister.

"India and France have always enjoyed a mutual respect for each other," said the Defence Minister. "We hope to strengthen that bond further."

"We shall, Excellency," assured Animesh.

And then came the German delegation, led by their Trade Minister and escorted in by their own Defence Attaché the moment their jet touched down. Efficient and down to the last detail, typically German formality approached him, but underlain by curiosity regarding this newly evolving role of India on the world arena.

"Prime Minister Yadav," the German Trade Minister said, "we are eager to witness the strength and spirit of your great nation."

"Welcome to India," Animesh replied. "You'll find that our strength lies in our unity and our vision for the future."

Arrivals thus completed, dignitaries were whisked off in a waiting convoy of high-security vehicles. As the motorcade rolls in teeming streets of Delhi, Animesh sat oblivious in his car, his mind introspective with the weight of the day.

Each piece fitted like the jigsaw he was building: Israel came with its latest in technology and defense systems; Russia brought along military capability, plus energy; Japan glimpsed toward technological advancement in infrastructure; France promised aeronautical and nuclear energy collaborations; Germany promised industrial and financial partnerships.

Soon, the cavalcade reached well-prepared rest houses in the serene Lutyens' Delhi area. Every house was meant to be an affair of luxury with concomitant Indian cultural glimpses.

As the guests finally retired, Animesh saw everything at first hand personally. He paid a visit to every rest house, speaking a few sentences with every dignitary.

At the Israeli delegation's residence, he noted the advanced security arrangements they had brought with them. "Your country's emphasis on security is unparalleled," Animesh remarked to the Defense Minister.

"In today's world, it is a necessity," the Israeli official replied.

The Russian delegation's rest house was bustling with aides unpacking documents and equipment. "Our stay here will be productive, I'm sure," the Russian Deputy PM said as Animesh greeted him.

"With friends like Russia, it always is," replied Animesh.

The Japanese rest house was in a serene, minimalist design. The Foreign Minister appreciated the hospitality that "this attention to detail reflects the respect of India for its guests".

"It reflects our respect for you," was Animesh's reply with a smile.

At the French residence, the Defence Minister was all in praise for the mix of tradition and modernity. "Your culture is as rich as your aspirations, Prime Minister."

"It's what makes India unique," Animesh replied.

The German delegation was typical. It had set up a field office at home. "Efficiency even while travelling," Animesh jokingly said as the Trade Minister smiled back.

"We Germans are creatures of habits," the Minister said.

The evening fell, and Animesh reached his office. The following day was going to be celebrated as Republic Day, which formed the highlight of their visit in showcasing the military might, cultural diversity, and democratic spirit of India.

To Animesh, it meant something more, though. This was going to be a chance to fill these global powers with confidence and commitment. These alliances he would forge were crucial to India's future.

Before retiring for the night, he sent a message to his Chief Secretary, Mahesh: "Ensure every detail is perfect for tomorrow. We're not just hosting leaders; we're shaping history."

Afterward, he returned to his office, as he hadn't completed his work due to receiving the guests.

He glanced at the clock. It was nearly 6 PM. Mahesh entered with a soft knock, interrupting his thoughts.

"Sir, Ms. Vanshika has just come to the Secretariat," Mahesh reported to him, his voice jollier now.

Animesh did not utter a single word for some time. This was after so long that both were again in the same place, although undefined, definitely something existed there between them.

He said, "Send her in, and meanwhile, take her baggage to my room," straightening the files on the table, tweaking his blazer.

A few minutes later, thick wooden office doors swung open, and Vanshika came in. She was attired in a soft pastel color salwar kameez, draped with a soft scarf over her shoulders. Her demeanor spoke of grace and ease, but her eyes told another story-the weariness of a long and exhausting journey.

Animesh got up from his chair and walked down the desk to meet her.

"Welcome to Delhi," he said with a curling of lips that was almost a smile.

"Thank you," she replied in an even, yet warm voice.

Vanshika sank into the chair as her eyes did a round of the room. The office was like Animesh himself-a mix of traditional and modern. One wall flaunted a big framed picture of India's freedom fighters. The bookshelves were lined with books on history, politics, and economics.

You look busy, she said, nodding toward the pile of files.

"When am I not?" he said with a chuckle, pouring her a glass of water. "But I always make time for important people.

The large room hushed into silent afterthought as Vanshika sipped on the chilled water, lost outside those mirth-enhanced windows to golden-sweater-wearing the city beyond; commanding and breathtaking like this man, sunk into maroon suede at her table opposite her.

"At some point that concerns both my ears and voice?" she said in a husky final voice. "What is it, Animesh?

He leaned back in his chair now, a serious look upon his face. "Vanshika, I know you have been keeping busy with your father's company in Mumbai, but I want you to think about something more. Something greater in scope, at any rate."

She furrowed her brow lightly. "Go on."

"I need someone I trust in Delhi," he said in a measured tone. "Someone who knows people and the way power is harnessed, someone not scared to tell it like it is. You run your father's business quite effectively-it has grown on account of you. But people such as yourself are necessary for Delhi, as well."

Vanshika cocked an eyebrow, staring into him. "Are you asking me to enter politics?"

"Not directly," Animesh said. "I want you to be part of something more. I am planning changes that will benefit the women, strengthen small businesses, and reform industries like your father's. I need insight, experience-yours. That is to say."

She leaned back as his words wrapped themselves around her. "That's. quite a request you're making, Animesh."

"I know," he whispered softly. "I wouldn't ask if I did not believe that you could be the difference it needs."

There was a moment or two of silence between them. The weight hung in the air, but there was an unsaid understanding in it. Vanshika knew this wasn't just a professional request; it was a personal one.

Finally, she spoke in a firm voice, "I will think about it, but cannot promise anything as of now."

"That's all I ask," Animesh replied.

The more they spoke, the more the clock struck 10:00 PM. All of a sudden, the landline rang and the ring disrupted their conversation.

Animesh picked up the phone.

"Son.? Won't you come back home today?" his mother asked on the other end.

Animesh looked at the time, then at Vanshika.

"Mother, today I am busy and am not coming back home.".

After that, Animesh hung up the phone.

"Vanshika..... let's go eat."

Animesh said to her.

[A/N]

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