The Weight of Power

Arjun barely slept that night. The realization of what he had done—what he could do—kept him awake. He had reshaped history with a single decision, and he had felt its effects ripple across time.

Morning sunlight filtered through his apartment window as he sat staring at the console. He had a choice now. He could continue down this path, strengthening his family's influence even further, or he could step away and let history unfold as it originally had.

But deep inside, he already knew his answer.

He reached for the controller. The moment his fingers touched it, the familiar white light enveloped him, and he was pulled back into the past.

1948 – Lucknow, India

Veerendra's body felt heavy as Arjun regained control. The weight of responsibility settled in his chest. It was one thing to make a bold statement in a meeting, but now, he had to ensure its success.

A servant knocked lightly on his door. "Babuji, your father has requested you in his study."

Arjun nodded, adjusting his kurta before heading down the hallway. The grand study was lined with shelves of books and old records, the scent of aged paper mixing with the strong aroma of chai (TEA). Raghunath Sharma sat behind an ornate wooden desk; his gaze sharp.

"You proposed something bold yesterday," his father said, fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. "Tell me, do you truly understand what you suggested?"

Arjun met his father's gaze. "Yes. We are in a time of uncertainty, but that also means opportunity. If we take control of this region's land economy, we will shape the future, rather than be shaped by it."

Raghunath studied him for a long moment before a slow smile curved his lips. "Good. Then you will oversee the first phase of this plan."

Arjun's heart pounded. "What does that involve?"

His father leaned forward. "We need allies, Veerendra. More than just landlords. We need traders, bankers, and local enforcers who will uphold our authority. You will be the one to secure their loyalty."

Arjun exhaled slowly. This was a test—a challenge to see if he could truly step into power.

"I won't fail," he said.

Raghunath's expression darkened slightly. "See that you don't."

That evening, Arjun rode through the bustling streets of Lucknow, his mind racing with possibilities. The Sharma family was at the precipice of something monumental. But power was not given—it had to be taken.

He had changed history once.

And now, he would forge an empire.