The trio, their faces etched with a mixture of disillusionment and anger, rose from their seats.
The idealized images of Ram Rajya on the screen felt like a cruel mockery of their dashed hopes. They walked in silence, the weight of Gandhi's words pressing down on them.
As they reached the theatre's exit, a man in a long shawl and kurta standing outside the exit.
they found Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel standing just outside, his expression unreadable. He watched them approach, his eyes holding a knowing glint.
"Gentlemen," Patel began, his voice low and devoid of surprise, "I trust your meeting with Gandhiji was... enlightening?"
Dr. Ambedkar, his voice tight, replied, "Enlightening is one word for it, Sardar. We learned a great deal about the man we thought we knew."
Patel nodded slowly, a hint of grim amusement playing on his lips. "I imagine you did. He has a way of revealing his true self when his authority is challenged."
Lieutenant Dev, his military pragmatism overriding his frustration, cut to the chase. "We have a plan, Sardar. A strategy to accelerate the liberation of India. But Gandhiji... he rejected it."
"I am aware of your plan," Patel interrupted, his tone matter-of-fact. "And I believe it has merit."
Hedgewar, his eyes widening slightly, asked, "You do? But... Gandhiji..."
Patel waved a dismissive hand. "Gandhiji's idealism is a luxury we can no longer afford. The British will not leave peacefully. We need decisive action."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the trio's faces. "I have been observing his methods, his control. I have seen the man behind the saint. And I am convinced that his path will only lead to stagnation."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Gentlemen, I wish to join you. I believe that India's liberation requires a different approach. An approach that is… more pragmatic."
Dr. Ambedkar, his skepticism momentarily overshadowed by a flicker of hope, asked, "You would defy Gandhiji?"
Patel's eyes hardened. "I would serve India. And if that requires defying a man who has lost touch with reality, then so be it."
He looked at each of them, his gaze unwavering. "We have a common goal. We have the means. And now, we have the opportunity. Are you with me?"
The trio exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. They had found an ally, a powerful figure who shared their vision and their determination.
The path ahead was fraught with danger, but for the first time since their encounter with Gandhi, they felt a surge of renewed hope.
The fight for India's freedom was about to take a new, and far more dangerous, turn.
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The dim light of the theatre lobby cast long shadows as Patel led the trio away from the main exit, towards a side door that opened onto a narrow, dimly lit alleyway.
"We cannot be seen discussing this openly," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Gandhiji has his loyalists, and they are not to be underestimated."
He paused, glancing back at the theatre entrance, his eyes scanning the crowd. "We must be discreet, strategic. We need to expand our reach, leverage existing networks."
They entered the alleyway, the sounds of the city muffled by the surrounding buildings. Patel led them to a waiting car, a sleek, black vehicle that exuded an air of quiet power.
"Get in," he instructed, his voice firm. "We have much to discuss."
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Inside the car, the air was thick with tension and unspoken questions.
Patel, his eyes sharp and calculating, began, "I understand you have already laid some groundwork, established certain intelligence and resource networks."
Dr. Ambedkar nodded. "Yes, we have been preparing, anticipating the need for a more proactive approach."
Lieutenant Dev added, "We have access to certain channels, individuals who share our vision."
Hedgewar elaborated, "And we have begun recruiting like-minded individuals, those who understand the urgency of our situation."
Patel's eyes gleamed. "Excellent. Your foresight is commendable. My participation will serve to amplify your efforts, to accelerate the spread of our influence.'
'I have my own networks, my own sources of information and support."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the trio's faces. "Together, we can consolidate our resources, streamline our intelligence gathering, and expedite the recruitment of those who are ready to act."
Lieutenant Dev, his military mind already assessing the strategic implications, asked, "How quickly can we integrate these networks?"
"Swiftly," Patel replied, his voice firm. "We will establish a central command, a coordinated effort to streamline our operations.'
'We will use my contacts to reach those who are currently beyond your grasp, to bring them into our fold."
Hedgewar, his nationalist fervor burning bright, added, "We must also intensify our outreach to the public.'
'We need to galvanize support, to show them that there is a viable alternative to Gandhiji's passive approach."
"Agreed," Patel said. "My connections within the press and among influential figures will be invaluable in shaping public opinion.'
'We will control the narrative, we will show them the path to true liberation."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But we must remain vigilant.'
'We must move with precision, with calculated efficiency. We cannot afford any missteps."
The car sped through the darkened streets of Mumbai, carrying the architects of a rebellion that would challenge the very foundations of the Indian independence movement.
The trio, now joined by Patel, were poised to accelerate their plans, their combined networks and resources transforming their clandestine operation into a formidable force.