Ch -23: You will definitely regret, when the time come.

Ch 23

As India's first-ever democratic elections unfolded, the nation held its breath. The election process, spanning from December to February, was a historic miles-- for a free and united India was coming to life. The elections were over, but the daunting task of counting votes remained. February marked the month of anticipation.

The newly formed Election Commission, established just the previous November, worked tirelessly to ensure transparency and accuracy. Across rural and urban India, counting centers buzzed with activity, their workers dedicated to tallying the people's voices. The entire nation waited, glued to their radios and newspapers, eagerly absorbing every update. The Bharatiya Swatantra Sangh (BSS), co-founded by

Surya, had been relentless in its campaign, offering a message of progress, self-reliance, and revolution through agriculture, technology, and military modernization.

Surya maintained an air of calm in public, addressing the electorate's concerns and assuring them of the process's integrity. Yet, beneath the surface, his mind was preoccupied—not only with the nation's future but also with personal matters that weighed heavily on him.

Amidst the electoral chaos, Surya's marriage to Shreya Verma was reaching its breaking point. Their union had been a political arrangement, a partnership designed to solidify alliances rather than a marriage built on love. Shreya, the daughter of the late Anand Verma, was an independent force in India's industrial and political spheres. She had founded her own companies and carried her father's legacy with grace. Yet, their personal relationship had always been distant. Recently, it had become even more strained, especially as rumors of her involvement with another man surfaced.

On the surface, they seemed like the perfect power couple, aligned in their ambitions for India's future. But Surya's singular focus on rebuilding the nation had left little room for their relationship. In turn, Shreya's independent nature and emotional distance further deepened the rift between them.

By February, with the election nearing its end, Surya knew it was time to act. The political purpose of their marriage had been fulfilled, and the arrangement now felt like a burden. He had made up his mind—it was time to dissolve their marriage contract.

One evening, after visiting a key election counting center in Delhi, Surya returned home to speak with Shreya. The tension between them was palpable, both knowing that something had shifted.

"Shreya, we need to talk," Surya said quietly, his voice steady despite the heaviness in his heart.

Shreya didn't seem surprised. "I've been expecting this," she replied, her expression unreadable. Despite her composed tone, there was a flicker of emotion—perhaps relief, perhaps resignation.

Surya hesitated for a moment before continuing. "We've known for a while that this arrangement isn't working. I've come to realize that we are not suitable. I think it's best for both of us if we end this marriage and move on."

Shreya didn't immediately respond. She crossed the room, poured herself a glass of water, and finally spoke, "You're right. This hasn't been working for a long time. We've both been so focused on our own goals that we've drifted apart."

Surya handed her a set of documents. "Here are the papers. I've already signed them. You'll have everything back—your shares, your assets. You've done incredible work, Shreya. Your contributions to India's industry are invaluable, and I respect you deeply for that. But we both deserve to pursue what truly matters to us."

Shreya took a deep breath, her voice softening. "Thank you, Surya. My company has been struggling, and… this might be for the best. It's time to focus on what really matters to me, too."

The silence that followed was filled with mutual understanding. They had entered the marriage for political reasons, and now, with India moving towards democracy, the personal bond between them no longer felt necessary.

Surya offered one final gesture of kindness. "We'll end this quietly, without drawing attention."

Shreya nodded in agreement, her face impassive. "That's probably for the best."

As Surya left, a wave of quiet pain washed over him. He had expected some resistance from Shreya, some emotional response, but she had been matter-of-fact, detached even. It stung more than he had anticipated. Yet, he masked his emotions with a smile as he walked out the door.

Meanwhile, the country was on edge, waiting for the election results. By mid-February, votes were still being counted, and excitement mixed with anxiety. Though the Bharatiya Swatantra Sangh was leading in many areas, pockets of opposition remained strong, making the outcome uncertain.

Despite the slow process, the Election Commission ensured that every vote was accounted for, working around the clock to maintain transparency. Radios crackled with updates, and newspapers speculated on the election's outcome, fueling both hope and apprehension.

By the end of February, it was becoming clear that the Bharatiya Swatantra Sangh was likely to win a majority. Surya's message of modernization, education, and agricultural reform had resonated strongly, particularly in rural areas. Celebrations had already begun in some parts of the country, with supporters taking to the streets to chant Surya's name and wave flags.

Surya, however, remained grounded. Winning the election was just the beginning. The real challenge lay ahead—building an India that was self-sufficient, modern, and just. As the results drew closer, he prepared himself for the monumental task of leading the nation forward.

In the midst of this national transition, far away in Bombay, another conversation was unfolding.

"Shreya, how could you go through with this? Don't you realize this marriage was arranged by your father and Surya's father?" Uncle Rajan, one of her family's oldest advisors, confronted her in disbelief. "And you didn't even try to stop Surya from ending it?"

Shreya, seated calmly at her desk, didn't even look up. "Uncle, with all due respect, my personal affairs are not your concern. Surya made his decision, and I didn't stop him because I saw no reason to. Our marriage has been over for a long time."

"You think that's all there is to it?" Rajan retorted. "Everyone knows about your affair with that young man. You think Surya wasn't worthy of you? That's the biggest joke I've ever heard!"

Shreya remained unfazed. "Uncle Rajan, I don't owe anyone an explanation for my choices. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

"It was your father's wish, and Surya's father agreed. Are you truly so heartless that you wouldn't even try to stop him from canceling the contract?"

Shreya remained seated, her face calm and unmoved. "Uncle Rajan, you may be an elder, but you have no right to interfere in my personal life," she replied coolly. "Surya came to me and said he wasn't worthy of me. He left on his own accord. Why should I have stopped him?"

Rajan's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "You think you're better off without him? This is madness! Don't you know what you've lost?"

"Perhaps," Shreya responded, her voice unwavering. "But Surya made his choice. We've both moved on."

Rajan shook his head, clearly disappointed, but there was nothing more to say. Shreya was resolute, and Surya had made his decision.

Rajan took a deep breath and said. "Do you really think that you could marry with guy, Vijay? "

"Why not, we both love each other and know each other. We have already said that we will marry in the November of 1950." Shreya replied coldly to Uncle Rajan.

"Haha... Let me tell you one thing. The the one Vijay, bas ready had a marriage contract with the royal family in Ahmedabad. And that family is much stronger than combined both you and that Vijaya's family. Do you think, they will let their daughter marry to person who has ready have a wife. Though that bastard is with you, their families obviously knows, but you are most likely to be a just toy that can be used and throw after enjoying it. Listen my word child, came back the path you have chosen. Otherwise when the time came there will be no one who is behind you even that Vijay." Shaking his head, Rajan left the office of the Shreya.

Shreya unknowingly sat on the chair with heavy pressure on her head and in her mind there was words of Rajan, thag he has already a fiancee but Vijay has never told, however she has already to him about her own life. But she remember the assurance given by Vijay, that he will definitely marry, but there was unknown premonition in her heart, like someone is chopping her heart.

[A/N : The novel name is, Fall Of Darkness : Path to Dharma.

There is picture in comment section you can and go and support me there.]