A New India

Chapter 105: 5 days before Explosion

February 19, 1953

The countdown had begun. In five days, India would attempt to conduct its first nuclear testa step that would solidify its position on the world stage.

Rohan, seated in his office in New Delhi, was aware of the pressure on him. He had always known this day would come, but now that it was here, the stakes felt higher than ever.

As he sat there, checking over the latest reports regarding appointment of new beaurcrats and massive recruitment for grassroot level his door swung open. Neeraj entered, his face reflecting the tension in the air.

"Prime Minister," Neeraj began, stepping closer, "I've just received an update from Dr. Bhabha's team."

Rohan leaned back, gesturing for Neeraj to proceed.

"They've begun the final assembly of the plutonium core at Pokhran," Neeraj said, his voice low but steady. "The fissile material arrived safely. It was transported in separate shipments, under the radar. Nothing unusual. No one outside of the essential personnel knows what's really happening."

Rohan nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps. "And the site? Security?"

Neeraj handed him a brief. "The military has locked it down completely. Multiple layers of security are in place. Pokhran is practically impenetrable. Only a select few scientists and military officers are on-site. Everyone else is being kept at a distance."

Rohan skimmed the document before setting it down. "Good. The last thing we need is for word to get out before we're ready."

Neeraj shifted slightly in his seat. "There's one potential concern, Prime Minister. The team is still fine-tuning the explosive lenses for the implosion. Dr. Bhabha's confident, but the lenses have to work perfectly to compress the plutonium core and trigger the chain reaction."

Rohan tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking. "How long until the lenses are ready?"

"They expect to finish the final assembly by the 22nd," Neeraj replied. "That gives them a couple of days to run tests before the detonation."

"And you're sure they can pull this off?" Rohan asked, his voice calm but demanding.

"Dr. Bhabha believes so. They've run countless simulations. But we're dealing with an implosion-type bomb, the smallest miscalculation could prevent the device from achieving critical mass."

Rohan's face remained impassive. He had expected complications, but this wasn't the time to let doubt creep in. "Tell them to double and triple-check everything. We can't afford any mistakes."

Neeraj nodded. "Understood."

The room fell quiet for a moment. Rohan stood up and walked to the large map of India that dominated one wall of his office.

He stared at the northern desert regions, where Pokhran lay hidden from the world's gaze.

"Once this test is done," he said softly, almost to himself, "the world will know what we're capable of."

Neeraj watched him in silence.The implications of a nuclear India were immense. It wasn't just about military power, it was about respect, sovereignty, and the right to shape the global order.

Rohan turned back to Neeraj, his expression hardening. "And what about the other intelligence agencies ? Have we heard anything from the usual channels?"

Neeraj shook his head. "Not yet. We've monitored the usual suspects. So far, nothing out of the ordinary. The French are focused on their own test. The Americans seem preoccupied with the Korean situation.

No one has taken special interest in our movements."

Rohan nodded. "Keep it that way. We can't let anyone suspect what's happening at Pokhran until the test is complete. Once we detonate, we'll handle the international backlash."

Neeraj hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "And the Americans? They know we've been using the nuclear deal for more than just civilian purposes. What if they react harshly?"

Rohan's expression didn't change. "The Americans knew what they were getting into when they signed the deal. They've been playing this game long enough to understand it. Sure, they might express disappointment, but they won't do anything drastic. They need us. If we position ourselves carefully, we can play this to our advantage."

There was a brief pause before Neeraj spoke again. "Dr. Bhabha also wanted to discuss the environmental impact. The test site is remote, but he's concerned about potential fallout."

Rohan's face grew more serious. "Tell him to minimize it as much as possible. We can't afford widespread contamination. Pokhran was chosen because of its isolation, but we still need to control the after-effects."

Neeraj flipped through his notes. "They're using an underground chamber for the test, which should contain most of the explosion. Dr. Sarabhai is overseeing that part of the operation. He believes the design will limit fallout to the immediate area. They'll also monitor radiation levels closely after the detonation."

Rohan crossed his arms, nodding as he processed the information. "And what's the timeline for evacuating non-essential personnel?"

"Once the core is fully integrated and the system is armed, non-essential personnel will be evacuated from the area," Neeraj confirmed. "Only the key scientists and military officers needed for the detonation will remain on-site. We've arranged for discreet transportation out of Pokhran once the assembly is complete."

Rohan sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "Five days. In five days, we'll change India's destiny. Once this test is done, there's no turning back."

Rohan glanced at him. "We've spent years building up to this. France is going to do their test, but if we succeed first, India will be seen differently. We'll be a nuclear power, and no one will be able to deny our strength."

Neeraj finally spoke, his voice quiet. "It's a bold move, Prime Minister. But if anyone can pull this off, it's you"

Rohan gave a slight nod. "There's no room for hesitation. The world is about to see a new India."

The two men sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their decision hanging heavy in the air.

Five days. In just five days, India would step into a new era, one defined by its ability to wield the power of the atom.

Neeraj gathered his notes and stood. "I'll inform Dr. Bhabha of the next steps."

Rohan watched him go, his mind already racing ahead. There was no room for mistakes.

No room for doubts. The countdown had begun, and with each passing day, the world inched closer to learning that India was no longer a country to be underestimated.