After Annihilation - Would you want to survive?

Chapter 12

Pranav had been actively involved with the administration of the city. The army general at Shunya was the default head of the city for the first year and a half after the war.

When the prime minister recovered his health, there was at first a reluctance to pass power to him, and the former's recovery was kept secret from the people in the city, based on excuses such as it would be a "further strain on the prime minister's health."

Eventually, Vishwaroopum approached Pranav. "This is the beginning of the rebirth of our civilization. We cannot have it go forward on a foundation that is not democratic."

Vishwaroopum worked with Pranav and the general at the admin block, and though he voluntarily held no official title other than "inspector" and kept a low profile, he was intricately informed of the goings-on in the city and in office. He kept an eye on things, and as usual spoke rarely, but when he did it was to tip the relevant person whenever something seemed to not be working. Other times, he worked things out by himself.

"The prime minister is not strong enough," Pranav said. "Frankly, looking at his health, I do not think he is in a position to lead anymore. It's better if the authority lies with the city army unit and General Varishth."

Vishwaroopum was not convinced. He knew Pranav well. He knew his concern stemmed as much from his ambition and self-serving nature as from real concern for the breakdown of the city's political structure. But he did not say anything. That was not his way of doing things. Instead, he approached Aarav. He had become familiar with Aarav these past one year and a half years. Mostly when Vishwaroopum joined Madhavi and Aarav for meals in the cafeteria, though he did this infrequently.

Aarav was Madhavi's friend, one Madhavi had utmost trust in, and Vishwaroopum had developed an immense respect for Madhavi. Although she still seemed like a child to him, seeing her struggle immensely and grow into a person of great ability and strength, all in the span of a little less than two years, had endeared her to him. Madhavi had grown as a person, and she had inspired all people and systems around her to grow with her, yet she remained unaffected and even uncaring about the increased standing and the respect she had begun commanding from all the people in the city.

She had founded a critical institution for the future of the city. A school with a concept completely fresh and unrestrictive to a child's growth. Even Vishwaroopum joined in sometimes during the evening practical lessons to observe as the kids were taught basic survival techniques, farming, or as they sang in a group all along 3rd Street. She had asked him to think about what else he could teach them when he had more time, especially the adolescents, as they needed a bit more to direct their energies better. Thus, he had been toying with the idea of teaching the kids martial arts, but he had been too shy to say anything about it so far.

His regard for the young girl had led Vishwaroopum to take the potentially hazardous step in approaching Aarav.

"There is something I need to discuss," he said, stopping him after lunch hours in the middle of 3rd Street.

"With me?" Aarav had said. "Okay, how about we go back to the cafeteria and do so?"

"No. I know of a better place," Vishwaroopum said. "The cafeteria is too noisy."

Aarav followed him to the end of 3rd Street, where the wall lay beyond. Madhavi had mentioned it was a secret opening which opened in the inside of a cave on the surface of the Earth within which lay hidden a pristine lake and forest.

"What is it?" Aarav asked when they reached the isolated area beyond the farms. Aarav was tall but, Vishwaroopum still towered over him with his six-foot-four-inch frame. He turned to him.