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Hello everyone, So, according to the feedback, I have changed some things that could be done without much affecting the chapter, I hope you tolerate some things in this chapter, as any more improvement I could think of are in the future chapters.
Also regarding the conversation between Aryan and his parents looking like a conversation between a subordinate and his superiors, know that it wasn't my intention, it was meant to be a strict conversation between parents and thier children according to the situation, and wouldn't have continued like that anyways. So, I will try to improve on this in future, but here's the chapter with some minor improvements.
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- Rajvanshi Estate, Calcutta -
- April 3, 1936 – Early Morning -
The weeks had passed swiftly, each day cementing a new reality in Calcutta. The city, once a bastion of British rule, now pulsed with an unmistakable shift in power. The BSS had taken full control of the administration, placing capable Indians into key positions regardless of caste or social background. Those who had served the British out of greed or fear found themselves imprisoned indefinitely, their influence removed from the machinery of governance.
Aryan, as Maheshvara, had solidified his dominion over the city's shadows—both literal and political. His presence was an unspoken force, shaping the very fabric of Calcutta's authority. Shakti and Karna stood beside him, their reputation growing alongside his, as the people began seeing them not as mere individuals but as symbols of an unstoppable tide.
The shift was tangible. Streets once patrolled by British officers now saw Indian enforcers maintaining order. Government offices, railway stations, and communication hubs no longer operated under British oversight. The fear that had gripped the common people loosened its hold, replaced by cautious optimism. The sight of the Union Jack was growing scarce, replaced by banners carrying the insignia of the BSS and Maheshvara's mark.
Beyond Calcutta, whispers of change spread across Bengal. Towns and villages began aligning themselves with the new order, either out of faith or pragmatism. The British still held power in other parts of the country, but for the first time in decades, their grip on a major city had faltered. And the world was taking notice.
The Congress and the Muslim League had tried probing into what had happened, only to find themselves behind the curve. By the time their leaders sought information, the transformation was already complete. Maheshvara had acted decisively, and the BSS stood as his chosen proxy. With no other option, they publicly acknowledged the movement and pledged their cooperation, though it was clear they were positioning themselves for leverage in the larger fight for independence.
Among those paying close attention was Subhash Chandra Bose, currently imprisoned in the Kurseong Jail after his capture near Bombay in March. Even from his cell, the news had reached him, and he had sent quiet inquiries through trusted channels. If Calcutta had truly fallen out of British hands, then what came next could change the course of the struggle.
In response, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mahatma Gandhi made the decision to reach out to Surya and Anjali Rajvanshi. If there was any chance of forming a united front against the British, they would need to understand what had transpired—and whether this Maheshvara was an ally or a danger to their vision of India's future. But those discussions were for later.
For now, Aryan's focus lay on something else entirely.
While his influence stretched across Bengal, he was not complacent. He knew that power was not just about control—it was about people. And so, he searched for individuals worthy of standing alongside him. Mutants and supernatural beings were obvious allies, but he did not limit himself to them. Exceptional minds, skilled strategists, those with unwavering conviction—he wanted them all.
His efforts had begun bearing fruit. A handful of individuals had stood out, proving their worth through action rather than words. Now, the time had come to bring them into the fold.
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- Secret Underground Hideout, Calcutta -
- April 3, 1936 – Noon -
Aryan stood in the dimly lit chamber of the barebones underground base, he had completed a few days ago with combined usage of his powers, a map of Bengal spread out before him. Shakti and Karna, along with his parents were seated nearby, reviewing a list of potential recruits. He had brought both his parents into the fold as Anjali, his mother was a great tactician and had studied the strategies of Maratha Guierella tactics extensively and along with his Surya, his father they had come out on top of Britishers, several times, who sought to silence them, using these very tactics. Also, he knew that the city and Bengal Province was theirs, but the war was far from over.
"We have six confirmed candidates," Shakti reported. "They aren't mutants or superpowered individuals, but they're sharp, resourceful, and most importantly—loyal."
Karna added, "We'll need to test them, of course. Knowing how to fight is one thing, but understanding what we're building is another."
Aryan nodded. "Then let's move forward. We'll meet them personally."
He traced a finger over the map, his eyes narrowing.
"We're almost ready for the next phase."
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As they sat together in their temporary hideout, Aryan leaned back with a smirk. "So, when are you two going to drop the masks before your parents? I mean, I already got my punishment, so it's only fair, right?" His tone was teasing, but there was truth in his words.
Shakti chuckled, crossing her arms. "My parents will understand. They always do. Besides, I have you, Father, and Mother by my side." There was confidence in her voice, an assurance that came from knowing she had their unwavering support.
Karna, however, hesitated before letting out a groan. "I mean… I hope my folks take it well too, but looking at your parents' reaction…" He glanced at Aryan's mother and father, who had been firm yet fair in their discipline. "Yeah, I think I'll keep the mask on for a little longer."
Surya and Anjali exchanged knowing glances before Surya spoke. "You already fight alongside us. What matters now is how you conduct yourself. We won't stop you, but revealing your identity is a responsibility, not just a statement."
Anjali nodded, her gaze steady. "The world is changing. If you choose to step forward, make sure it is for the right reasons."
Karna exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, that's not a no, at least." He glanced at Aryan and Shakti with a smirk. "Guess I better start preparing my grand reveal, then."
Aryan grinned. "Just don't get caught before you do it on your own terms."
Laughter filled the room, but before the conversation could shift back to serious matters, Anjali turned to Aryan with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Speaking of surprises, I must say, Aryan, you've become quite the expert in cooking and cleaning lately. You learned so quickly—it's a very good sign for your future."
Shakti, immediately catching on, joined in with a sly smile. "It's true! He's been so efficient, I will hardly need to lift a finger when he's around." She shot Aryan a playful wink. "Very useful skills for a husband-to-be, don't you think, Mother?"
Aryan's eyes widened slightly as he realized the trap being set for him. "Wait, what—"
Anjali nodded sagely, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Absolutely, dear. A man who can wield a sword and make the perfect chapati? A rare find indeed. Shakti, you're a lucky girl."
Karna burst into laughter, leaning back against his chair. "Oh, this is gold. The great Maheshvara, feared by the British, but here he is, getting teased about housework."
Aryan shot him a glare. "Laugh all you want, but at least I won't starve if left alone. Can you even make tea without setting the kitchen on fire?"
Karna raised his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, fair point."
Surya, who had been quietly observing with a small smile, finally spoke up. "It is good to be strong in battle, but strength at home is just as important." He looked at Aryan with quiet approval. "A leader must know how to care for his own."
Aryan sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Fine, fine. I get it. I'll accept my fate as a well-rounded warrior."
Shakti grinned, nudging him playfully. "Good. That just means I'll expect freshly cooked meals when we're married."
Aryan groaned, and the laughter resumed, filling the underground chamber with warmth and camaraderie. Despite the battles ahead, in this moment, they were just a family, sharing a lighthearted moment before the storm.
After their lighthearted exchange, they turned their attention back to the task at hand. The six individuals they had identified needed to be scouted and recruited as quickly as possible. With that in mind, they parted ways for the day, each heading back to their respective homes to rest and prepare for the next steps.
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- Rajvanshi Estate, Calcutta -
- April 3, 1936 – Evening -
Upon reaching home, Aryan wasted no time getting to work on an idea that had been forming in his mind ever since he served meals at the temple weeks ago. A wandering sage, speaking in cryptic riddles, had caught his attention with tales of forgotten heroes—warriors who had risen against the British, only to be buried under the weight of colonial narratives.
One name had stood out to Aryan the most—Chandra Rajvanshi—his own great-grandfather. A man who had fought valiantly in the First War of Independence in 1857, leading countless skirmishes against the British in Bengal before finally being captured. The Rajvanshi family had suffered greatly after his capture, facing relentless persecution from the British. But instead of being wiped out, they had adapted. Some used political maneuvering, others turned to displays of sheer defiance, ensuring the family survived even as the British sought to erase their legacy.
By the time his father, Surya, had come of age, the fight had passed down to him. Learning from his grandfather's struggles, Surya had formed the Bharatiya Swatantrata Sangathan (BSS) alongside Anjali, Aryan's mother. Unlike the fragmented resistance of the past, the BSS was structured, disciplined, and ruthlessly efficient—blending strategy, sabotage, and grassroots organization into a force the British could not easily suppress. Now, all of this legacy will eventually fall on Aryan's shoulders.
Yet, Aryan knew that weapons and strategy alone wouldn't win the war. Stories and Propaganda was necessary too.
The people needed to remember who they were. Not just the whispers of revolution, but the blood and sacrifice that had paved the path to this moment. A manga or picture book detailing the 1857 Uprising could be the spark that rekindled that fire.
Most knew of the revolt in fragments, twisted by colonial propaganda. But a well-crafted narrative—one that captured the bravery, betrayal, and relentless spirit of the rebels—could change everything. It would immortalize the Rajvanshi name, not for personal glory, but to remind the people of Bengal that their struggle was not new. It was the continuation of a fight that had begun long ago, and now, with British control slipping in Calcutta, it was time to finish what their ancestors had started.
But Aryan didn't want to stop at just a book. He envisioned a cultural movement—plays, songs, poetry—integrating these stories into everyday life. If the people saw themselves reflected in the heroes of 1857, if they truly understood what had been taken from them, then the flames of revolution would burn brighter than ever before.
A smirk played on Aryan's lips as he sketched out the first outlines of his plan.
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