65 Road construction

Aditya, already had predicted that the surveying of the land would be a time-consuming task compared to the construction itself, took proactive measures to expedite the process. While he and his trusted aides worked tirelessly at night to perfect the cement production, Aditya had already dispatched teams of land surveyors to identify the optimal routes for the roads.

Dividing the surveyors into three teams, each assigned to a specific section of the proposed road network, Aditya ensured thorough coverage from the Grand Trunk Road, situated in the northwest direction, to Purana Qila, and from Purana Qila to Kharki village, located in the southeast direction and joining all surrounding villages to kharki village as main intersection point.

This strategic approach aimed to establish a private and influential network of roads, enhancing connectivity and facilitating the growth of his company's presence in Delhi.

Equipped with ropes, chains, and rods, the surveyors meticulously measured the distances, employing the standard metric system and triangulation techniques. By selecting prominent landmarks and natural features along the proposed routes, they constructed a network of triangles, allowing for precise mapping of the land's size and shape.

Despite the nine days it took to perfect the cement production process, the surveyors managed to complete their task within seven days. Their detailed map of the proposed road network proved invaluable as Aditya and Vinayak convened to plan the construction of the first concrete road from Purana Qila to Kharki village, spanning a distance of just 3 kilometers.

Based on the survey findings, it was decided to construct a road with a width of 20 meters, leaving space for trees in the median to serve as dividers. Additionally, structured planting of trees at both ends of the road was planned to provide shaded areas for travelers, enhancing the aesthetics and comfort of the thoroughfare.

Out of the allocated 1000 workers, only 300 arrived as the first batch. With this workforce, it was decided to commence the construction of the initial 100 meters of the road. As Vinayak received the supplies and laborers from Diwakar, he swiftly organized them into separate teams, implementing an assembly line method to streamline the construction process.

The teams were divided into small groups, each with a self-elected leader to represent their interests. The groups were named numerically to facilitate coordination and communication. Vinayak ensured that each team had a specific role: one team was tasked with further crushing the already crushed stones into smaller pieces to meet the road's requirements, while another team handled logistics, transporting the crushed stones to predetermined locations.

The third team, under the guidance of land surveyors, began the process of mixing the cement with sand, fine crushed stones, and water using shovels. Once the mixture was prepared, it was transported to the construction teams, who commenced laying the foundation of the road according to the surveyors' instructions.

Simultaneously, the road leveling team worked tirelessly to ensure the ground was properly leveled before and during the construction process. They employed traditional techniques, including walking the ground and using wooden logs pulled by bulls to achieve uniformity and smoothness.

Security was handled, with Aditya's most trusted royal guard, Bheem, overseeing the safety of the workers. Additional local doctors were stationed on-site to provide immediate medical assistance in case of any injuries.

Under Vinayak's expert leadership, the construction of the road progressed swiftly. The first 100 meters were completed in just two hours, with subsequent sections taking even less time. The efficiency and precision of the construction process left Diwakar in awe, witnessing a spectacle unfold before his eyes.

As the road began to take shape, its texture was unlike anything seen before, boasting uniformity, smoothness, and a visually striking landscape.

Intrigued by the miraculous results, Diwakar sought an audience with Prince Aditya, who was engrossed in a solitary practice session of firing drills with his soldiers on the training ground.

Aditya watched as Diwakar came running and fell directly to his knees before him, asking for forgiveness. This made him flinch slightly, although he felt puzzled;but deep down, he felt touched when he saw an elderly man falling to his knees.

Diwakar rose, trembling, as he took the prince's hands. "Your Highness, I was a big fool who failed to see your greatness. I witnessed the construction of the road with my own eyes with your miracle powder, and it was a spectacle that was never done before.

I have decided to put my experience, no, all my skill, no, my whole life in service to your company, which has the power to revolutionize the era."

Aditya felt complicated with the sudden change in demeanour of an arrogant expert who is an elder on top of that. Seeing no response from the prince, Diwakar added, "Your Highness, I have learned my lesson. If you wish, you can take my factory, all my lands, but please just forgive me for this once and allow me the chance to be at least something worthy in this life."

Aditya smiled softly as he listened to Diwakar's heartfelt plea, but he wasn't sure yet to believe on the surface. "I am glad, Diwakar Ji," he said, "though my hands are tied. There is no such vacancy at the level of your expertise."

Diwakar felt ashamed as he understood the prince was mocking in disguise for his past behaviour. "Please, Your Highness, I am ready to do anything, even become the lowest in rank of your employee, but please take me in."

Aditya observed the change in Diwakar's demeanour, which reflected sincerity. A smile appeared on his face as he decided to forgive Diwakar and let him pass his test.

"Ah, Diwakar," he continued as if he just remembered something, "there is still a task that needs to be done, and perhaps it can be done by you. Are you sure about it?"

** Lahore fort, Pakistan empire **

In the serene ambiance of the royal chambers, Badshah Afzal sat cross-legged on a plush rug, holding a rose in one hand, deeply engrossed in another world while attending the teachings of Imam Malik. As he listened, he appeared to find the lesson rather boring with his attention drifting now and then. 

By Afzal's side sat Nagma, her graceful presence lending a sense of tranquility to the room. With each gentle movement of her hand, she fanned the young ruler, providing a cool breeze that offered respite from the warmth of the evening.

Imam Malik replied while reading a holy book in his hands, "In Islam, the world is divided into two groups: dar al-Islam, which translates to the house of Islam and dar al-harb, which translates to the house of war."

Afzal kept staring at the rose as if not caring about what bullshit the Imam was spouting. With a cough to gain attention, Imam continued, "Dar al-Islam means where Islamic law, Sharia, is enforced, and all Muslims live as the majority population. Dar al-harb means where Islam is not in the majority, and there is the need to take a harsh stance, even if it leads to war, to ensure peace for Islam."

Afzal looked up and asked, "Then what should we call the land where my father ruled before? Certainly, it wasn't dar al-harb, where people used to be happy, and the majority were not Muslims?"

The Imam got irritated at the cross-question and looked at Nagma, who spoke in his place, "Oh, Badshah, that place was called dar al-had, where non-Muslims reside."

The Imam's face lit up as he remembered. "Indeed, Your Majesty, it was to allow infidels to live and afford them certain rights and protection in exchange for taxes and loyalty, called jizya."

Afzal replied with slight mockery, "What's so great about our Islam that we must go to such an extent?"

The Imam's veins popped up as he had to bear the blatant blasphemy from his own sovereign. Maintaining the facade, he replied, "Your Majesty, it must be your age that you failed to recognize the greatness of our religion. As a Muslim, it is our duty to convert all non-believers to Islam so that they can be saved from hellish fire when the Day of Judgment befalls this place someday."

Afzal countered, "But my Ammi (mother) told me that Islam is a religion of peace, and we should not force compulsion for acceptance. That's why we use the word 'salam' as a greeting, which means 'peace be upon everybody.' You mean my Ammi was wrong?"

Before the Imam could continue, Bairam Khan interrupted, making his presence known with a serious expression.

Seeing the young Badshah taking classes from his assigned imam, Bairam Khan felt satisfied and gestured the imam to sit as he was only there for a short notice.

He replied, "Forgive for interruption. Your Majesty, I have important news."

Afzal asked without even sparing him the glance, "What is it?"

Bairam Khan replied, "I have received a letter from Kashmir. The third prince seeks our support."

Afzal felt irritated. "Isn't that part of the Samrajya? Why bother about it?"

Bairam Khan explained, "The treaty specifies that the border is accepted from the Ravi River, not from where the Ravi River origins. Also, think about it, Badshah. If tomorrow they build dams or make canals and reduce the water flow, it could badly impact our innocent citizens. All we need to do is support him to ascend the throne and let him decide whom he wants to merge with."

Afzal replied nonchalantly, "Do what you think is good. I hardly understand these matters, but make sure not to get involved directly."

Bairam Khan grinned gleefully and nodded before excusing himself.

Afzal then turned his gaze to the Imam and asked seriously, "So tell me, Imam, in service to Islam, what will I receive in return? Will it bring my Ammi back?"

The Imam replied sorrowfully, "Even if I wish, it's not possible, Badshah. She has already ascended to allah's care. But if you serve Islam with your heart by increasing the number of Muslims, then you will receive 72 hoors after you ascend to zenith."

Hearing this, Afzal said in a cold voice, "Shut up!"

Both Nagma and the Imam were shocked as he yelled them to leave, clutching the rose flower tighter, whose thorns pricked the flesh of his soft hands. "Your 72 hoors mean nothing compared to her," he added, tears falling as he remembered his mother's smiling face.

Understanding the Badshah's mood, both Nagma and the Imam decided to leave him alone. With tears in his eyes, the young Badshah opened his wounded hands as the rose fell down along with the blood soaked in it.

He remembered the happy days he spent with his friends, whispering, "Amira, Aditya..." before crying his heart out.

*********************************************

Authors' Note:

Woah! I am so happy. Thanks to your support, this book has finally crossed 100k views. And thank you for supporting my characters.

Raamya's review has caught my attention, and thank you for the kind words. 

Now regarding the golden tickets, which I have received from my favourite readers, I would like to express my deepest gratitude from the core of my heart.

Thank you Free_spirit_knight, Its_Praveen, and Flamez for the golden tickets. It means a lot to me.

Since it has come to this, I shall also mention 00zero, Jai_maa_bhadrakali, and The_Dark_knight01 for supporting me constantly, even when I was at my lowest. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation.

Now I would certainly like to mention all other favourite readers of mine as well, who have a special place in my heart. Without their support, forget 100k views, I would have stopped writing already. But I'm afraid my words limit will exceed, and the webnovel staff might get the chance to spank my ass, which I cannot allow to happen.

But I will not let you go just like this. I assure you that your support won't go in vain, and I shall strive even harder to provide better quality content ahead.

Now in case anyone wants to change or remove his name , please feel free to dm me here , this is my alternate facebook account dedicated for this work.:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558079392926 (might be replaced by discord later)

And I apologies for not having discord server yet. I will try to get this done by next update. May the blessing of lord, stays with you all :)