Strengthening the Empire & The Longing Heart

January 25, 2010

The sun cast its golden glow over Vijayanagara's imperial palace as Krishna Deva Raya, now officially the Director of the Military Equipment Bureau, sat in his office, reviewing blueprints and reports. His ascension into military affairs had been swift, but there was no time to waste.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, deep in thought. "We need a stronger missile defense system, advanced fighter jets, and powerful naval vessels to ensure our dominance in the Indian Ocean. The influence of China and Western nations is growing—we must not fall behind."

His first course of action was clear: a state visit to Russia.

State Visit to Russia –

The freezing Moscow air greeted him as he stepped off the Royal Vijaya Airlines jet, his security detail and military officials in tow. Russian officials welcomed him warmly, the historical friendship between Vijayanagara and Russia evident in their smiles.

During the high-profile meetings, he wasted no time. His first priority was securing the S-400 missile defense system—one of the best in the world.

"We understand the importance of air defense," he said during negotiations with the Russian defense minister. "With tensions rising, we need to eliminate any aerial threats and ballistic missile dangers."

The Russian minister, a grizzled man with years of military experience, nodded. "Given our strong ties, we can offer the S-400 system at a discounted price of $1 billion per unit."

Krishna leaned forward. "Then I want three."

The deal was sealed. Three S-400 systems would soon be on their way to Vijayanagara, strengthening its air defense significantly.

Next, he turned to fighter jets. Vijayanagara's Air Force was lacking compared to its vast land and naval forces. After visiting the Sukhoi manufacturing plant, Krishna personally approved the purchase of 40 Su-27 fighter jets along with a stockpile of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

As the meetings progressed, discussions moved beyond weapons. Russia and Vijayanagara signed an economic trade deal lowering tariffs on Vijayanagara's pharmaceutical exports, especially medicines produced by Oasis Pharma, a royal family-controlled enterprise.

Krishna smirked as the contracts were signed. "A stronger military and a stronger economy—this is how an empire survives."

But his mission was far from over. His next stop: France.

State Visit to France –

The French President welcomed Krishna Deva Raya with grandeur, the red carpet rolled out as the Vijayanagara royal delegation stepped off their aircraft. The visit was not just about diplomacy—it was about military power and economic cooperation.

At the Élysée Palace, Krishna and French officials negotiated vigorously. France had one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world—the Dassault Rafale.

After witnessing its aerial maneuvers and performance in a private demonstration, Krishna was impressed. "This is exactly what we need."

Without hesitation, he signed a deal for 20 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, along with missiles and maintenance support.

But he wanted more than just fighter jets. Vijayanagara's navy needed submarines to secure its maritime borders.

"The Indian Ocean is becoming a contested region," Krishna explained to the French Naval Group executives. "We must enhance our underwater warfare capabilities."

After careful negotiations, he secured the purchase of Suffren-class and Perle-class submarines, powerful additions to the Vijayanagara Royal Navy.

In addition to military purchases, another economic deal was signed—France agreed to import oil from Vijayanagara, further boosting the empire's wealth.

As Krishna Deva Raya boarded his jet to return home, his mission was complete. Vijayanagara was now armed with the best technology Russia and France had to offer

Upon his return, international media exploded with headlines:

"Vijayanagara Engages in Arms Race"

"A Growing Power in the Indian Ocean?"

"Krishna Deva Raya's Military Ambitions – A Threat to Stability?"

Western nations, China, and even some neighboring countries condemned Vijayanagara's massive military buildup, accusing it of escalating tensions.

But Vijayanagara's Foreign Affairs Ministry responded firmly:

"We are a sovereign nation. What we buy and how we defend ourselves is our right. Other nations should focus on their own affairs."

Russia and France, understanding the economic benefits of supplying Vijayanagara, publicly supported the empire.

Meanwhile, the Vijayanagara Navy increased its patrols, ensuring that the empire's oil fields and trade routes remained secure.

February 1, 2010

While Krishna Deva Raya's name dominated news channels worldwide, a young woman sat alone in her village, staring at the TV screen in shock.

Smriti Pandey.

She had once known Krishna—not as a prince, but as a man. Her first love.

She traced his face on the screen, her hands trembling.

"So… you were a prince all along?" she whispered.

Memories flooded her mind—his laughter, his touch, the way he had looked at her.

A painful thought gripped her heart.

Would he still remember her?

Her father had always told her that a man of high status would never return for a woman like her. There was too much difference between them.

Fear crept into her thoughts. "Would his father ever accept me?"

She clenched her fists. He was her first everything. The first man she had loved, the first man who had made her heart race, the first man she had given herself to.

And yet, she had been waiting for him—for nearly a year.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Did he remember? Would he come back for her?

As the world debated the military ambitions of Vijayanagara, somewhere in a small village, a young woman's heart waited in silence.