The air in New Delhi buzzed with tension as the nation awaited its first official contact with the outside world since the leap. The Prime Minister's office, once a hub for international diplomacy, now served as a nerve center for navigating the unknown.
On the western borders, near the Indus River, the Indian delegation stood ready to meet the Persian envoys. In their midst was Foreign Minister Priya Verma, draped in a modern sari that combined traditional elegance with subtle futuristic designs. Beside her stood Captain Rohan Patel and his soldiers, their rifles slung but ready for any sign of hostility.
The Persian envoys arrived with grandiose flair. Draped in golden robes and flanked by warriors bearing ornate shields and spears, they exuded the confidence of a mighty empire. At their forefront stood Arshak, a senior advisor to King Darius.
Arshak's gaze lingered on the armored vehicles and the soldiers' weapons. "Strange gods," he muttered in Persian before stepping forward.
A Diplomatic Exchange
Priya Verma greeted him with a nod. "Welcome to India," she said in perfect Persian, a skill honed during her days in international diplomacy. "You are here on behalf of King Darius?"
Arshak's eyes widened briefly at her fluency before he recovered. "Yes, I speak for the great King of Kings. He wishes to know the nature of your land and your intentions. The stories of your... magic have reached far and wide."
Priya smiled. "We are not magicians, nor gods. We are a sovereign nation with no desire to conquer. But make no mistake—if attacked, we will defend ourselves with the full strength of our people."
Arshak hesitated. "King Darius values strength. Perhaps there is a path for peace between our peoples. But he will expect tribute to solidify this friendship."
Captain Patel, standing silently beside Priya, let out a sharp breath. "Tribute?" he muttered under his breath.
Priya raised a hand, signaling him to remain calm. She turned back to Arshak. "India does not bow to any empire. However, we are willing to establish trade and mutual respect."
Arshak's expression darkened. "A bold claim. I will deliver your words to my king, but know this: strength must be proven, not spoken of."
Back in New Delhi
The exchange was broadcast live to the Indian cabinet. As Priya delivered her report, the room was split.
General Kavita Rao spoke first. "They're testing us. If we appear weak, they'll attack. We need to show them our might—demonstrate what happens when they cross us."
"But a demonstration could escalate the situation," Priya countered. "If we crush their envoys, we invite war with the entire Persian Empire."
"War will come eventually," Kavita said. "Better to strike first than to wait for their armies to gather."
Prime Minister Mehra rubbed his temples. "We cannot afford to appear as aggressors. For now, let's play their game. Send Arshak back with our terms: trade, diplomacy, and mutual respect. But also send a message—one they won't forget."
The Message
Two days later, as the Persian envoys prepared to depart, India delivered its subtle but powerful response.
Arshak and his entourage were escorted to the border by a convoy of modern vehicles. At a clearing, the Indians set up a demonstration. Without warning, a drone zipped overhead, dropping a package that exploded in a brilliant display of light and sound. The ground shook, and the air crackled with energy.
"This is what India is capable of," Priya said, her voice calm but firm. "Tell your king that friendship with us is wise. Conflict, however, is folly."
Arshak, visibly shaken, nodded. "The King of Kings will hear your words."
A Gathering Storm
Word of India's might traveled faster than the envoys. In Persepolis, King Darius listened intently to Arshak's account. The advisor, once skeptical, now spoke with a mix of fear and awe.
"They command forces beyond imagination, my king. Their weapons rain fire from the skies, and their armies are protected by iron beasts. They speak of peace, but they are dangerous."
Darius stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Dangerous indeed. But no empire grows by avoiding danger. Prepare the armies. If they are unwilling to submit, we will remind them why Persia is feared."
Across the Mediterranean
While Persia debated its next move, whispers of India's strength reached the ears of another ambitious ruler: Alexander of Macedon.
Seated in the grand halls of Pella, he listened to his generals recount tales of a land where "sorcerers" wielded thunder and lightning. Unlike Darius, Alexander was not deterred by fear.
"Magic or not," he said with a grin, "I have never turned away from a challenge. Prepare the fleet. If this India exists, it will be mine."
At the Indian Borders
Back in India, the mood was one of tense preparation. The government worked tirelessly to bolster defenses, mobilize reserves, and expand intelligence operations. Drones scoured the surrounding regions, mapping potential threats and uncovering strategic advantages.
Dr. Ishaan Malhotra, heading the scientific advisory council, presented a new initiative to the cabinet. "We need to start reverse-engineering our advanced technology using local resources. Our current stockpiles won't last forever, and we can't rely on technology we can't replicate."
The Prime Minister nodded. "Make it a priority. We're in this for the long haul."
The Clash of Eras
As India braced for the challenges ahead, it became clear that their time leap was more than just a temporal shift—it was a test of resilience and adaptability. Ancient empires saw them as a threat, a prize, or both. But with their modern knowledge and technology, India stood poised to rewrite the history of an entire world.