CHECKMATE

Chapter 11

"I'm so proud of you," gushed Meenakshi placing a kiss on Ranveer's forehead.

Despite his smile he sighed in melancholy saying, "I never wanted to be the CM of Rajasthan aunty, my dream was to serve the people..."

Meenakshi smiled proudly and cupping his face, she said, "Ranveer, with great power comes great responsibly. The people have chosen you to be their leader, because they know that if you have power you will be able to do much more for them. The members of the political party themselves have asked you to join, that can only mean that you are a good man with a clean heart."

Ranveer smiled and hugged his aunt, his eyes travelled to his older half brother, Bhagwant who rolled his eyes at him. Pulling himself off his aunt's warm embrace, he walked up to Bhagwant and asked, "Aren't you happy bhaisa?"

"Stop playing your emotional word game with me Ranveer." Snapped Bhagwant in anger. "You always wanted to be the CM, I have no idea what you're up to but whatever it is I'm pleading you to stop it."
"Bhaisa, do you envy my success?" asked Ranveer with a pleasant smile that made Bhagwant cringe.
"I don't envy you," was Bhagwant's obvious response, "I'm worried for those who follow you blindly."
"Don't you worry about me and the welfare of the people." Smiled Ranveer. "I shall catch up with you'll later, I need to take the oath as CM."

Meenakshi and her three sons decided to join him and make his power viral all over social media, while Bhagwant was obstinate on his decision to remain home.

~

"I, Ranveer Thakore promise to be loyal to the country, I shall not confine myself to the dignitary position of a political leader but shall be one with the people and serve them with all my might. I, Ranveer Thakore pledge to be just, loyal and a fearless chief minister of the state of Rajasthan. I take this oath by swearing on the almighty." Said Ranveer aloud with a firm face.

With the last word, the roar of applause deafened the reporters from all over the country. The people bellowed his name with all their might. Many of them were in tears to see their favourite man ascend such a powerful position.

As the new CM descended the scaffold, journalists crowded around him pouring buckets and buckets of questions of what he plans to do for the people, what reforms he could bring and much more.

Ranveer's enigmatic self was like an opium that addicted people to the dark man. His white kurta and dhoti with his khaaki jacket made him look just like a politician. With great patience and enthusiasm he answered and avoided many of the questions from the journalists. They too were in awe of the young man who was unlike any other politician.

~

"DAMN IT!" Cursed Siddharth aloud as he heard the news over the radio.

He was on his way to pick up Pratap from the airport, when he heard the news on the radio.

"Doomed, Pratap you shouldn't have come back..." He murmured to himself as he parked his car in the parking lot.

Stepping out of his car Siddharth grabbed an economics newspaper and began reading it, as he wanted for his friend in the waiting lounge.

After an hour Pratap stepped out and smiled a broad smile seeing Siddharth. Giving each other a bear hug they grinned as they loaded the bags in the boot.

"You look no less than a Greek God." Teased Siddharth giving a friendly punch on Pratap's arm.

Pratap chuckled and shook his head in partial disapproval at his friends words. He knew he was too handsome and could effortlessly grab attention from anyone.