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82 NEW DELHI, INDIA

On the ground floor of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Indian President Deepak Madan stood at the fifteen-foot-tall arched window in his study, looking out over Mughal Gardens. With water canals, sandstone fountains, and over seventy seasonal flowers, including 159 varieties of roses, the gardens are considered by many to be the soul of the presidential palace. Madan remembered the first time he set eyes on the beautiful grounds. He had hoped the future of his country would be as bright and vibrant as the flowers in Mughal Gardens.

In the last few days, however, a darkness had settled over Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mughal Gardens. The Russians, and now the Americans, were pressuring India to intervene in their conflict. A decision had to be made, and soon. Time was running out, like the proverbial sand in an hourglass, each grain representing the incentives offered by each country. He had discussed the matter with his National Security Council, and their advice was conflicting. Now, with the battle in the Indian Ocean reaching a climax, Madan knew he would be forced to decide.

There was a knock on the door and his ministers of defense and external affairs, along with his national security advisor, entered. Madan motioned the men into upholstered chairs resting atop a handwoven Kashmir carpet. When he joined them, his minister of external affairs, Rahul Gupta, brought Madan up-to-date.

“Russia has offered additional incentives and also given us an ultimatum. We have until eight a.m. to accept.”

“And the Americans?”

“They are awaiting our answer without further discourse.”

Madan spent the next few minutes discussing the new Russian incentives, along with the choice to be made: become a Russian ally in this war, aid the Americans, or remain neutral. Of course, China’s response in the matter weighed heavily on his thoughts.

After considering the options carefully, Madan made his decision.