A New India

As the sun began to rise over New Delhi on October 20, 1947.

India's mobilization efforts in Kashmir had clearly rattled Pakistan, and the consequences were beginning to unfold faster than anyone had expected.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Neeraj Kumar, his trusted private secretary, entered with a thick file in hand, his expression as serious as the situation at hand.

"Prime Minister, we've received updated intelligence reports," Neeraj said, handing Rohan the file. "It seems our predictions were correct. Pakistan has significantly ramped up its military presence along the border."

Rohan flipped through the file quickly, his eyes narrowing at the details. "How extensive is the buildup?"

"They've mobilized nearly 50,000 troops along the border, along with increased artillery, including 25-pounder guns and mortar units in several key positions," Neeraj explained.

"We're also seeing more frequent skirmishes, but it seems they're still hesitant to launch a full-scale assault."

Rohan nodded grimly. This was precisely the scenario he had predicted. "Get General Singh and Rajeev Sharma in here immediately. We need to adjust our strategy."

----

Rohan Varma sat in the war room, his hands resting on the edge of the large table covered with maps of Kashmir and northern India.

Major General Karan Singh and Intelligence Chief Rajeev Sharma stood across from him, both looking determined.

They had been expecting this moment, but Rohan's foresight had made it clearer than ever.

"Prime Minister," General Singh began, his tone filled with respect "you were right. Pakistan is preparing for an attack on Kashmir. They've moved 50,000 troops into the region, including heavy artillery and mortar units. They've increased their skirmishes along the border. It's clear they're planning something big."

Rohan leaned forward, his eyes scanning the red marks on the map.

He had anticipated this, seen it coming from the moment he took office.

But knowing the future gave him an edge, and it was time to use it.

"We've intercepted their communications," Rajeev Sharma added. "They're coordinating for a large-scale assault. We believe they're waiting for the right moment to push into Kashmir, hoping to overwhelm our forces and claim the territory before winter sets in."

Rohan nodded. "Yes, and when they do, we'll let them focus all their efforts on Kashmir, while we strike where they're weakest."

General Singh and Rajeev exchanged glances, sensing the Prime Minister had a far larger plan in mind.

"Where do you propose we strike, Prime Minister?" Singh asked cautiously.

Rohan stood up, walking over to the map and pointing toward the region bordering Rajasthan.

"Right here," he said firmly. "Pakistan has overextended themselves in the north. Their defenses in the western desert, especially around Rajasthan, are weaker than anywhere else. While their forces are bogged down in Kashmir, we will open a new front here."

The room was silent for a moment as both Singh and Rajeev stunned tried to understand the plan.

General Singh was the first to speak. "You want to invade through the western desert, Prime Minister? That's bold. It could catch them completely off-guard."

Rohan nodded. "Exactly. We'll mobilize our forces in Rajasthan quietly and advance across the border once they're fully engaged in Kashmir. Pakistan will be forced to divert troops from Kashmir to deal with us, weakening their position in the north. But that's only the beginning."

Singh raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What's the next step?"

Rohan pointed to Punjab and the surrounding areas on the map. "Once we've opened the western front and forced them to divert resources, we push into Punjab. Our goal is to encircle them. We trap their forces between Kashmir, the western desert, and Punjab, cutting off their supply lines and forcing a retreat."

Rajeev Sharma's eyes widened. "And then?"

Rohan's finger traced the border near Gilgit-Baltistan, the strategic region in the far north. "Our real objective is Gilgit-Baltistan. If we can push them back far enough, we can seize control of the entire region. And during the negotiations that will inevitably follow, we'll be in a position to negotiate from strength. If we hold Lahore, they'll have no choice but to concede Gilgit-Baltistan to secure a peace deal."

Both General Singh and Rajeev Sharma stared at Rohan, stunned by the audacity of his plan.

Taking Lahore and using it as leverage to secure Gilgit-Baltistan?

It was a move that no one had seen coming, but it made perfect sense.

"Prime Minister," Singh said slowly, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and shock, "this... this is an incredible plan. If it works, we'll not only secure Kashmir but also take back Gilgit-Baltistan and potentially cripple Pakistan's entire northern defense."

Rajeev Sharma nodded, still processing the boldness of the idea. "But it's risky. If they realize what we're doing too early, they could reinforce those areas, and we'll be fighting a two-front war."

"That's why we have to be precise," Rohan said firmly. "We move fast, strike hard, and keep the element of surprise. They'll be so focused on Kashmir that they won't expect a full offensive from the west and then another push from Punjab. By the time they realize what's happening, it will be too late."

General Singh's mind was already working out the logistics. "We'll need to mobilize the 7th Infantry Division in Rajasthan, along with artillery support 25-pounders and howitzers to cover the advance. We'll also need to reinforce the troops in Punjab, preparing them to move once the western front is secure."

"Make sure the Air Force is ready as well," Rohan added. "We'll need Spitfires and Tempests to maintain air superiority over both fronts. We can't afford to lose control of the skies, especially in the Punjab sector."

Rajeev Sharma, still cautious, asked, "Prime Minister, have we considered the international consequences? If we launch such a broad offensive, we might face backlash from the global community. Pakistan will certainly try to paint us as the aggressors."

Rohan looked at him steadily. "We'll position this as a defensive maneuver. Pakistan will start the conflict by attacking Kashmir. We're simply defending ourselves and responding to their aggression. And once we've made our move, we'll be negotiating from a position of strength."

General Singh nodded. "I'll begin the preparations immediately. We'll move our forces into position quietly and be ready to strike as soon as they make their move in Kashmir."

Rohan's gaze remained fixed on the map. "This is our chance. We secure Kashmir, push into Pakistan, and take Gilgit-Baltistan. We'll rewrite the map of the region, and Pakistan won't be able to recover. We can do this."

Both Singh and Rajeev stood, saluting. "We'll make it happen, Prime Minister," General Singh said confidently.

As they left the room, Rohan remained standing, his eyes locked on the strategic points that would soon be the focus of a massive conflict.

He knew it was risky, but he also knew it was necessary.

This was India's chance to secure its borders, and he would not let it slip away.

As the day drew to a close, Rohan returned home

Inside the house, Anjali was waiting for him in the dining room, her presence a welcome balm to his troubled thoughts.

"How was your day?" she asked softly, as they sat down to dinner.

Rohan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Complicated. We're closer to war than I'd like. Pakistan is preparing to attack Kashmir, and we've had to come up with a bold plan to counter them. If it works, we could end this conflict quickly, but there's a lot at stake."

Anjali reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. "You're doing everything you can, Rohan. I know you. You'll make the right decisions."

Rohan looked at her, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I couldn't do this without you, Anjali. You keep me grounded."

Their children, Arjun and Priya, came rushing in, their faces lit with excitement.

"Papa, what did you do today?" Arjun asked eagerly, climbing into his father's lap.

Rohan smiled softly. "I talked to some important people today about keeping our country safe."

Priya, sitting beside him, looked up with wide eyes. "Will everything be okay, Papa?"

Rohan hugged her, his voice gentle but firm. "Yes, my dear. Everything will be okay. We're doing everything we can to make sure of that."