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Meher grins. “You mean the one in which the last move wasmyKing givingyourKing a Checkmate, Dad?”

Kailash and I laugh at her reminder. She’s right. No one can outplay Ayaan at chess. He doesn’t just play for victory; he plays with such strategic brilliance that his opponent’s defeat is etched into memory for a long time.

“I’ll tell him you are missing him,” Meher adds, kissing my cheek.

Just then, her phone rings, diverting her attention.

“I’ve got to take this one. Excuse me.”

She steps away to answer the call, and just then my assistant appears at my elbow. “Sir, it’s time for the announcement. Everyone is waiting.”

I look at Kailash, who gives me an encouraging nod. “Go ahead, my friend. Make your announcement.”

Taking a deep breath, I make my way to the centre stage. The crowd falls silent as I approach the microphone, all eyes turning to me. This is it—the moment that will shape the future of not just my family, but our entire political landscape. I clear my throat, the pride in my heart reflecting in my voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” I begin, my voice strong and clear. “Eighteen months ago, I took a risk. I chose my family over my political career. I chose truth over convenience. And you, my people, honoured that choice with your trust and your votes. For that, I am eternally grateful.”

A wave of applause ripples through the crowd. I hold up a hand, smiling warmly.

“They say behind every successful man, there is someone who serves as a constant source of inspiration and strength. For me, that person is my son, Vishnu Walia. Although he was born after I had already made my mark in Indian politics, it is his unwavering support that has been the silent force behind my success. Without his discretion regarding our relationship, the battle to reach this position would have been impossible. Vishnu has stood by me as a loyal friend, protected me as a father would his son, and proved time and again his willingness to sacrifice for me.”

I pause, letting my gaze sweep across the crowd. I see a lot of familiar faces—party members who’ve stood by me through thick and thin and friends who’ve supported me, even those who once opposed me but now stand united in our cause.

“Today, I’m not here to talk about the past. I’m here to look at the future. A future that I believe will be even brighter and more promising for our great state.”

I take a deep breath, gearing up for what I’m about to say.

“Today, I, Pratap Walia, stand before you with another significant announcement. With immense pride and honour, I declare that my son, Vishnu Walia, will carry forward our family legacy and step into the world of Indian politics. Starting next month, Vishnu will assume the role of the Party President for the NEP party.”

A ripple of excitement sweeps through the crowd. I can see the media representatives leaning forward, their cameras flashing rapidly, eager to capture every detail of this historic moment.

“For over a decade, Vishnu has been a keen observer and has gained a wealth of knowledge about our party’s inner workings and strategy. He is well-prepared to take on this crucial role, guiding our party’s election campaigns and making pivotal decisions. He has protected me, advised me, and repeatedly proven that he possesses the strength and wisdom to lead our party.”

I pause, emotion threatening to overwhelm me. “As a father, I couldn’t be prouder. And as your Chief Minister, I couldn’t be more confident about the future of our party and our state. Despite having no official political track record, Vishnu’s experience and keen insight make him more than capable of handling this significant responsibility.”

The crowd erupts in applause as Vishnu steps onto the lawn and makes his way to the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the newest leader of our party—my son, Vishnu Walia!”

My heart swells with pride as I watch Vishnu step onto the stage with the confidence of a man who has long been destined for this moment. His powerful physique, honed from years as my protector, is evident even beneath his impeccably tailored attire. In a light grey linen shirt, with sleeves casually rolled up to reveal his strong forearms, paired with perfectly tailored dark navy chinos, Vishnu presents a striking figure—a perfect balance between casual sophistication and professional authority. A sleek leather belt and polished brown leather loafers complete the look, adding a touch of refinement.

His appearance may be unconventional for Indian politics, but it’s a bold reflection of a new generation of leadership—one that isn’t afraid to break the mould and carve out its own path. His ensemble is more than just clothing; it’s a statement of who he is: modern yet grounded, approachable yet commanding. It’s clear that Vishnu is ready to lead the NEP into a new era, seamlessly blending tradition with progress.

Vishnu has always turned heads with his brooding good looks and commanding presence. But now, as my officially recognised son and heir, he’s become the talk of high society. I can’t help but notice how people, especially the women, can’t seem to take their eyes off him. Their gazes follow him, a mix of admiration and intrigue in their eyes. It’s obvious that Vishnu has instantly become one of the most eligible bachelors in the city, his newfound power and position only adding to his allure.

As he approaches, I notice his eyes—sharp and alert as always, but now gleaming with a new sense of purpose. Vishnu stops beside me, towering over most of the people present here. His presence is commanding, a mix of the tough bodyguard he once was and the polished politician he’s becoming. I can’t help but beam with fatherly pride.

He turns to me, bowing his head slightly. I place my hand on his shoulder, feeling the solid strength beneath. As I give him my blessing, I see a flicker of emotion in his eyes—gratitude, determination, and the deep love of a son for his father.

Vishnu then turns to face the guests, raising both his hands high in the air before bringing his palms together in the traditional gesture of greeting, commanding the attention of all who are present. The crowd erupts into enthusiastic applause, their approval and excitement evident.

In this moment, as I watch him, I don’t just see my son—I see the future of our party, our state, and the legacy we’ve spent years building. Vishnu is stepping into his destiny, ready to lead and safeguard everything we’ve worked for, just as he’s always done. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our family and the NEP party, and I couldn’t be more proud to stand by his side on this journey.

VISHNU

Dad steps back, giving me the space to address the crowd. As I stand at the podium, the roar of applause washes over me like a tidal wave.Party President.The title still feels foreign on my tongue, a role I never imagined would be mine. Yet here I am, stepping into the shoes my father has so carefully laid out for me.

The decision to accept this role was solely based on Dad’s desire to see me take his legacy forward.“Politics runs in our blood, Vishnu,”he had said when he expressed his wish two months ago, asking me to think it over. All these years, I have been my father’s shadow, his confidant and his protector. Now, the mantle has been passed, and it’s my turn to serve my country under his guidance and blessings.