Bob Butalia In the Shadow of Destiny

Annotation

An ancient horoscope portends the coming of a versatile woman with attributes desirous of a consort of the Gods. In a male dominated society this is an unprecedented forecast. Durga survives a terrorist ambush as a child and is safeguarded by Indra a woman insurgent. Later, Durga an outstanding talent launches a company that attracts US venture capital. On return to India, Kanta her foster mother a provincial politician is killed. This prompts Durga to fight, win an election and become a minister in the BJP government. Brigadier Syed Ali forcibly retired from Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is determined to get India to relinquish Kashmir. Crippling multiple terror strikes are executed by Syed Ali against New Delhi. In parallel China stages a false flag incident by Captain Dingbang in North Eastern Kashmir. Durga Vadera is nominated as prime minister to handle the crisis. Durga permits computer simulation tests of Irans nuclear weapon in a backroom deal engineered by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. A secretive crisis management group of eminent talent is set up to synergize Indian actions. India also instigates attacks in Baluchistan Province of Pakistan bordering Iran to disrupt Chinas New Silk Route through Pakistan to Gwadar Port.