Next Weekend.
Monday
In the early morning, 7:00 AM.
Animesh stood up, looked at himself in the mirror, and smiled slightly. He was ready for everything he would face.
Although he had little knowledge of politics, his predecessor's body had some, and since he was from the future, he was at least confident he could understand politics. He knew that no matter who enters politics, they are usually not good people—after all, politics can't accommodate good people. And since he had already entered this world, he had to change himself to fit into it.
"I am going to be the Prime Minister of India...!" he muttered to himself. He didn't know why, but sometimes it felt real, and other times, like a fantasy. It was just like a dream.
The ceremonial attire he had been given made him look the part: a crisp white kurta-pajama and a Nehru jacket. His face was calm as water, but beneath the calm exterior was an ocean of thoughts. How did I end up here? He knew how, but the real question was—what do I do now?
The system had been silent since it first appeared, with no further instructions after assigning him the task. But he knew better than to wait for it to give him all the answers. He had always been resourceful—both in his previous life and in this one. He would have to rely on that.
Suddenly, Animesh heard footsteps approaching his door. He immediately guessed it must be his father or mother.
His father, Raghav Yadav, entered, his expression serious. "Aman, the time has come. Are you ready?"
How can I not be? Animesh thought, but didn't say aloud.
He turned, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, giving a faint smile.
"Good...!"
Raghav nodded, placing a hand on Animesh's shoulder. "Remember, today is just the beginning. Many will see you as just a puppet, but it's up to you to change that."
"Definitely...!" Animesh nodded in agreement.
Puppet or not, I have to find my own power. He had no intention of letting others pull his strings for long.
They both left the room together.
At the entrance, his mother, Sarita Devi, was waiting with a warm smile. She was a politician, a woman who had faced the harsh realities of this world for decades. "Aman, remember your roots. Don't lose sight of who you are in the midst of all this chaos," she said, her voice soft but filled with strength.
Animesh took a deep breath and smiled. "I won't, Maa. I know what I have to do."
The family of three left for the parliament building.
Animesh sat in the back seat of a black Ambassador car as the convoy made its way through the streets of New Delhi. As they approached the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, he gazed out at the sprawling gardens and the vast dome that loomed overhead. His heart pounded with every passing moment.
In just a few hours, he would be taking the oath as the Prime Minister of India—a title that felt as foreign to him as the world he now found himself in.
As the car reached the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan, he took a deep breath. Stepping out of the car, he was greeted by the cacophony of camera shutters and the murmurs of the crowd gathered just beyond the gates.
Reporters from across the country and international media had gathered to witness the historic moment—a young, unknown politician taking the helm of the world's largest democracy. As he made his way through the entrance, flanked by security, he could feel hundreds of eyes following him.
Afterward, Animesh was escorted by security to a room where he would wait for the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Raghav and Sarita entered the parliament building and waited for their son.
Waiting for him at the steps of the ceremonial hall were his parents, Raghav Yadav and Sarita Devi, both dressed impeccably in traditional attire. His father's face was a mask of composure, while his mother offered a reassuring smile, her eyes glinting with pride. They exchanged a silent look.
A grand stage had been set up in the courtyard for the ceremony. Rows of chairs were filled with ministers, dignitaries, and other key political figures. A highly decorated lectern had been placed at the center of the stage, where the President of India would soon stand to administer the oath. The Indian flag flapped gently in the breeze, and a large portrait of Mahatma Gandhi hung in the background, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
As Animesh walked toward the stage, his heart raced even faster. He had rehearsed this moment countless times in his head, but now that it was here, the pressure of it all hit him with full force. Despite having the experience of two lifetimes, he couldn't shake the nervousness.
He shook the thoughts away. No, I have to own this. I'm not just here to play along—I'm here to change everything.
Suddenly, a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, this way please."
Animesh turned to see a protocol officer gesturing toward a small room off to the side of the stage. "We need to go over a few last-minute details before the ceremony begins."
"Okay."
He nodded, following the officer into the room, where he was met by several advisors, including his new Chief of Staff, Mahesh Verma. The room was elegantly furnished, with a long wooden table covered in folders and briefing papers. Mahesh Verma, with his sharp, calculating eyes, approached Animesh.
"Prime Minister," Mahesh said with a slight bow of his head, "we're almost ready for you. Everything has been prepared. Remember, when you step onto that stage, you must be calm, composed, and dignified. The entire country will be watching."
Animesh gave a brief nod. Looking at Mahesh, Animesh noticed the calmness in his voice. It felt like Mahesh was treating him as if he were a child or puppet, one who could only listen to his elders.
A moment later, one of the President's aides entered the room. "Sir, it's time. You should go."
Animesh took a deep breath, smoothed down his kurta, and straightened his jacket. This is it.
He followed the aide back to the courtyard, the sun now fully overhead, casting long shadows across the stage.
The crowd hushed as the President of India, dressed in traditional ceremonial robes, took his place at the lectern. Animesh was directed to stand directly in front of him, while several senior ministers and officials, including his parents, took their seats nearby.
For an unknown amount of time, thoughts raced through Animesh's mind. No one knew what he was thinking until he suddenly heard the voice of the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.
The President's voice interrupted his thoughts. "We are gathered here today for the swearing-in of Animesh Yadav as the Prime Minister of India."
Animesh stepped forward, his heart beating rapidly.
The President looked him in the eye, holding out the official document with the oath of office inscribed upon it. The silence in the courtyard was deafening, especially with the playful eyes of some onlookers.
"Please repeat after me," the President instructed.
Animesh inhaled deeply, steadying himself.
"I, Animesh Yadav, do solemnly affirm…" the President began.
"I, Animesh Yadav, do solemnly affirm…" Animesh repeated, his voice carrying across the courtyard. He stood tall, the nerves melting away as he spoke each word with growing confidence.
"…that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established…"
"…that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established…"
The words resonated within him, a solemn reminder of the power and responsibility he was about to wield. His mind flashed briefly to his past life—the world he came from, the technology he was so familiar with, the aircraft he helped develop. Now, his hands would be building something else entirely: a new India.
"…that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India…"
"…that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India…"
"…and that I will faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter."
"…and that I will faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter."
The final words seemed to echo in the air, hanging there for a moment before the President gave a solemn nod.
"Congratulations, Prime Minister Yadav."
The courtyard erupted into applause, but for Animesh, everything seemed to fade away. He had taken the oath. He was now the Prime Minister of India.
[Hope you enjoyed the chapter! ]
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