Animesh and his team talked with the Israel minister but it was a secret meeting and even the top notch person doesn't know about it.
Chapter 49 ; Warning to the media
29/01/1997
Now, it was time for Animesh to speak with the media. News channels from all over the country flocked at the Prime Minister's residence since an important news briefing was due, which brought a wave of tension in the air. On the dias, standing calm but firm, Animesh prepared to take on the recent frenzy of rumors and controversies about him and Vanshika.
Speculation upon the media since the incident outside his residence, in which Vanshika had been detained by the security guards, was a futile attempt at giving it a scandalous tint, weaving lies and concocting fake stories about the personal life of Animesh. Actually, the facts were much more complicated.
He had already discussed it with his advisors, and now was the time to come out before the people and clear the air. The truth was quite simple, but it needed to be heard by the people from him.
Flash bulbs popped as he reached the podium. As the room hushed, Animesh started speaking, afterall he didn't have much time to waste on them.
"Afternoon, all, I am aware there have been several rumors and stories about my relation with Ms. Vanshika doing the rounds. Today, I am here to set the record straight."
"First and foremost, let me make one thing very clear—Vanshika, she is my fiancée, my lover, and, more importantly, my high school classmate. We've known each other for years, and our relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and love. All I can say is that what I am about to say is something the people have a right to know, and I will not let the media twist or distort the truth.
There had been some murmuring in the room. Journalists shifted in their chairs, pens poised over paper.
"I know that what's happened in recent times may have given rise to misunderstandings, but what's been portrayed before you is not even a shadow of the truth. I have never abused my powers as Prime Minister; there was no corrupt motive underlying that action."
"It was a misunderstanding; it was a sad sequence of events, and to the extent this misunderstanding has caused hurt or concern, I assume complete responsibility."
One of them raised his hand to be able to ask a question. Animesh nodded in his direction.
"Mr. Prime Minister, could you please clarify what exactly your relation with Vanshika is? Since some people remain in the dark as to what your relation really is, considering she is not even on the list of your spouse," the sharp inquisitive voice of one of the reporters asked.
Animesh did not show emotions in his face but in his eyes burnt a spark of an irrevocable decision. "Vanshika and I have been in a committed relationship for many years, even before I became involved in politics. She is my partner in every sense of the word. We have gone through thick and thin together. We went to school together, and through the times, our bond has grown more than a friendship or even a love story; we are promised to get married. In many ways, she will be my wife and I will be her husband."
He paused for a moment, his words sinking in. "I do realize that people are curious. I happen to be the Prime Minister of this country, and my personal life does become news, often the subject of scrutiny. But let me assure you, Vanshika and I share a relationship based on mutual sincerity and respect. It is not for sale or to be touted as gossip or rumor.
The other journalist raised his hand for an explanation: "But, the Prime Minister, there are complaints against you that you used your influence in helping her, particularly staying in your house. And everybody wants to know what the political axis behind it is."
Animesh looked up with sharp eyes and did not let his tone fall: "Outrageous accusation. Let me be crystal clear: I don't misuse my position for personal relationships. It's political duty towards the citizens of this country, which always remains very imperative for me. Anything about my personal life should not merge with professional obligation. And this time, too, Vanshika was there at my residence due to the misunderstanding created by the security people; nothing more, nothing less.
The room fell silent, with reporters having begun furiously scribbling. Animesh was soft, low, but clear.
"Let facts be told: Vanshika is my fiancée, and she has been a part of my life since long before the political limelight fell upon me. She is a private citizen, with her career and aspirations in her own right. This narrative that is going on around her which is just unfair, which is not true. I don't tolerate such baseless accusations, especially on the person I care about."
Just then, the other reporter intervened, who was more interested in his personal life. "Prime Minister, how do you feel this may affect your political career? You think this could affect your standing with the public?"
Animesh paused for a second before answering. "I am not worried about the repercussions it could have in my career. If anything, this has been a lesson in the strength of my convictions. I would not be swayed by extraneous pressure or temptations. The interest of the people of India has always been and would remain paramount in my actions and decisions, and that is not going to change due to rumors. And I am confident that the people of this country understand the value of transparency and integrity in political as well as in personal life. And they should focus to improve themselves not in the meddle in someone else matters, especially that is personal."
He turned back to the rear of the room, where several other reporters were raising their hands.
"Mr. Prime Minister, we understand that your relation with Vanshika dates back to high school, but given your stature, many believe that your private life could tarnish your image. What do you have to say to those who feel this situation could be an embarrassment?
The lines of Animesh's face softened, but he was an annoyed. "I will say this only: We are all human beings. We have relationships, we have setbacks, and sometimes we give in and cry. I am no different as a Prime Minister. Neither can I be any less entitled to run the country because my relationship with Vanshika is private and will remain that way. But she shall always be defended by me, just as I will defend my duty to this country."
The last question came from an inquisitive listening reporter: "Prime Minister, do you think this controversy will affect your future plans, especially with the upcoming elections?"
Animesh smiled back at his confidence. "I don't think so. India has always been a land of progress, of transparency, of unity. We have gone through far bigger challenges than these, and each time we have come out stronger. People of India are wiser and more knowledgeable. No amount of rumor mongering or diversion would take them away from the real issue at hand. I am not going to be cowed down, and the work which is being done towards assuring the future of this great nation cannot be held back."
Irritated at this, he turned towards the podium and shut it.
"Thank you all for your time today. I trust that you will report facts as they are and not cross the line into sensationalism. India deserves better than that, otherwise...". Animesh paused for whole a while and had a smile on his face, "you will get notice from the supreme court, that you are spreading a rumour, even whom? A Prime minister of india."
As the room emptied and reporters looked at each other, a few seemed to have had a change of opinion. He had given them a powerful, perfect defense of his affair with Vanshika-perfect because it spoke much about his integrity as a leader. The media frenzy that was building was silenced-at least for that instant-by the quiet strength of the words of the Prime Minister.
As Animesh stepped down from the podium, he couldn't help but feel sigh.
In The office.
"Ding"
"System Rewards for Defending Your Lover."
.
"Congratulations, Animesh. Your action has been received by the system. Your clarity of vision and commitment to one's loyalty and upward advancement have not only established your stature but also your command.
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1. Gene Enhancement Potion 5
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2. System Points: Gained 20,000 Points
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3. Extra GDP Growth Percentage: +10%
Your leadership is well defended, and the system recognizes your capability by giving you an extra 10% GDP growth for the next five years. This growth is directly related to your diplomatic effort and stabilization of your personal reputation, which reflected positively in the national unity and investor confidence.
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4. Industries Growth Enhancement: +20%
Together with your interest in national development, this gave birth to the industries born from the strong international relations. The system gave 20% to the industrial output so as to speed up manufacturing and innovative creation of more employment. This shall also help place India as one of the leaders on the world economic scene, at an advantageous production and export potential.
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5. Greenfield Cities Program Enhancement: +10%
Your subsequent alliances with major countries, coupled with a thrust on infrastructure, resulted in the expansion of the Greenfield Cities Program. A further 10% increase in efficiency and scope would also facilitate many such cities with the best infrastructural facilities, further encouraging urbanization and thereby making it possible that employment opportunities with sustainable development could be provided.
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6. Financial Fund: $300 Billion
$300 Billion to provide for national projects toward further economic growth, infrastructure development, and welfare programs. This can be used to strengthen the defense sector or improve public services related to education, health, and transport.
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7. Development in Defense Technologies: Air Force and Air Defense Systems
With the successful negotiation with Russia and Israel, technologies were unlocked for advanced air defense systems and state-of-the-art drones. Your commitment to the safety and security of the nation has given a rise of 15% in spending toward defense and technology upgrades, to make the Indian defense forces more capable and self-reliant.
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8. Global Trade and Export Enhancement: +15%
Your foreign policy, especially with France, Israel, and Russia, has opened up new trade pacts with most of these countries as a result of the improvement in relations between nations. The system gives a 15% rise in India's international trade, boosting revenues from the tech sector, defense, aerospace, and manufacturing.
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9. Immigration Control Protocol
In border regions, it does allow certain protocols in place to be followed for the solution, in which creation of border watch and systems based on AI could find the detections and immigrations on easy verification mode. This would save the cases of illegal immigrations, ensure more security measures, and functioning of law and order.
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10. National Unity Boost: +10%
Your stand for personal and national integrity has instilled a sense of pride and unity among the people. Thus, the system grants a 10% boost to national morale, which will be reflected in increased productivity, public support for government policies, and a more united front against external challenges.
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A moment of standing dazed at the array of rewards that now filled his inventory greeted Animesh.
Influx of funds, the technological leap, and promise of many more to come-all that made Animesh confident as never before. The road was still long ahead; with these rewards, his dream for India was turning more tangible: a prosperous, secure, self-reliant nation.
His phone vibrated in his on the table and drew him back from his reverie. A call from Mahesh.
"Sir, there is news about the increase in illegal immigration on the northeastern border. The situation really does call for attention. Shall we proceed with new protocols?"
Animesh nodded; already, his mind had started spinning a plan out. He was determined: Nothing-servicing foreign or inland threats-was going to cause India to topple one iota. But, anyway, this was the time the system needed support,
"Let's move on," said an undeterred Animesh to himself.
(I am in the depression these days.....!)
(I have attached a picture in the comments, see and write your thoughts about it.)