A New India
Chapter 312 - 312: Family Time and New Year

The evening of December 31, 1955, carried a festive air in the Prime Minister's residence.

For once, the usually solemn halls felt lighter, filled with the sound of laughter and warmth.

The heavy burdens of governance were set aside, and Rohan was determined to spend this New Year's Eve with his family his wife Anjali and their two children, Priya and Arjun.

In the cozy living room, a fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow over the room.

A large, modestly decorated table stood near the window, laden with simple but lovingly prepared dishes hot pakoras, jalebis, fresh fruit, and a kettle of Anjali's famous masala chai.

The children had been waiting all day for this moment.

"Papa!" Arjun's voice rang out as he ran into the room, his small feet skidding slightly on the polished floor. "I've been waiting for you! You said we'd play carrom!"

Rohan chuckled as he bent down to catch his son. "And we will, little man. I keep my promises, don't I?"

Priya followed behind, holding a book in one hand.

At nine, she was more composed than her energetic younger brother but no less excited. "Papa, can we play after dinner? And tell us a story like you used to. You haven't had time lately."

Rohan's heart softened at her words. "Of course, Priya. Tonight, I'm all yours."

Anjali entered, wiping her hands on her apron.

She wore a simple cotton saree, her hair tied back loosely.

Despite the long day, her face glowed with warmth. "Dinner's ready," she announced.

"But only if you all promise to sit properly and eat everything."

Arjun groaned dramatically. "Even the vegetables?"

"Especially the vegetables," Anjali said firmly, her eyes twinkling.

The family gathered around the table, the children eagerly reaching for their favorite dishes while Anjali tried to maintain some semblance of order.

Rohan served himself modestly, watching his family with a quiet smile.

This was a rare moment a chance to be just a father and husband, not the Prime Minister of a nation.

"Papa, guess what I learned in school today?" Priya said, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"What's that, my little scholar?" Rohan asked, taking a sip of chai.

"We learned about the stars!" Priya exclaimed. "Our teacher said that every star we see in the sky is like a sun, far, far away."

Rohan nodded, impressed. "That's absolutely right. Did you know that the light from some of those stars takes millions of years to reach us? When you look at them, you're actually looking back in time."

Priya's eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing!"

Arjun, not to be outdone, piped up. "Papa, I want to be a pilot and fly through the stars!"

Rohan laughed heartily. "A pilot, huh? Well, you'll have to eat all your vegetables if you want to grow strong enough to fly."

Arjun made a face but reluctantly picked up a piece of carrot. "Fine. But only because I'll need energy for my plane."

After dinner, the family moved to the sitting area, where a carrom board awaited.

Rohan and Arjun teamed up against Priya and Anjali, and the room soon filled with the sound of laughter, playful arguments, and the occasional triumphant cheer.

"Papa, you're cheating!" Priya accused, her hands on her hips.

"I'm simply using strategy," Rohan replied, feigning innocence.

"That's what cheaters say!" Priya retorted, making everyone burst into laughter.

The game went on until Arjun began to yawn, his small hand rubbing his eyes. "Papa, can you tell us a story now?"

Rohan leaned back in his chair, gathering both children onto his lap. "All right, but you have to promise to listen carefully."

They nodded eagerly, their eyes fixed on him.

"Once, there was a young boy who wanted to climb the tallest mountain in the world," Rohan began. "Everyone told him it was impossible, that he wasn't strong enough. But do you know what he did?"

"What?" Priya whispered, completely captivated.

"He worked hard every day," Rohan continued. "He climbed smaller hills, learned from every mistake, and never gave up. And one day, he stood at the top of that mountain, looking out at the world. He realized that it wasn't just his strength that got him there it was his determination."

Anjali, sitting nearby, smiled softly as she watched her husband weave the tale.

She knew he wasn't just telling the children a story; he was sharing a piece of his own philosophy.

As the clock neared midnight, the family gathered near the window to watch the stars.

Priya pointed out constellations she had learned about, while Arjun tried to count the stars but kept losing track.

"Papa, how many stars are there?" he asked.

"Billions," Rohan replied. "More than you could ever count."

"More than a thousand?" Arjun asked, his eyes wide.

Rohan laughed. "Much more than that."

Anjali placed a hand on Rohan's shoulder. "You've given them so much hope," she said quietly. "Not just them, but the whole country."

Rohan turned to her, his expression softening. "I couldn't have done any of it without you. You've been my strength through everything."

Anjali smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. "And you've been ours."

As the clock struck midnight, the family joined hands, cheering together. "Happy New Year!"

Anjali kissed the children on their foreheads, her voice warm. "May this year bring you both happiness and health."

Rohan knelt down, looking his children in the eyes. "This year, let's promise to work hard, be kind, and always stand up for what's right. Can you do that?"

"Yes, Papa," Priya said confidently, while Arjun nodded with a sleepy smile.

As the children were tucked into bed, Rohan lingered for a moment, watching them sleep.

He felt a rare sense of peace.

Returning to the sitting room, he found Anjali waiting with two cups of tea.

"They're lucky to have you," she said, handing him a cup.

Rohan shook his head. "I'm the lucky one. They remind me why we do all this why it's worth fighting for a better future."

The two sat in comfortable silence, sipping tea as the new year began.

Outside, the world continued its ceaseless motion, but within the warmth of their home, time seemed to stand still, if only for a little while.