Sanrekhit

The alarm (text-style: "shudder")[*buzzes*] Watery-eyed and dizzy, you take a look at your alarm clock. Its almost 7:30 A.M. [[Shut the alarm off and wake up]] [[Snooze, go back to sleep]]

You step outside your bedroom, studying your living room. Decorated with posters of old Bollywood films and well-polished furniture, your room reflects the taste of the tenant who stayed here before you. 'Probably a college-goer, hmm.' You have an appointment with the head of HR of your company, soon. You don't have much time. [[Leave early for work]] [[Watch some News before you go]]

Sleep takes over. A part of your conscious-self can hear the local train outside - moving past Dadar station. And on the tracks, you see an old man. You wonder if he's there - trying to end his own life?! The almighty train approaches, and he doesn't flinch. "See that train, young man? That is the future. That is technology." With a blank expression, he looks at you. "Yes. You. See that? Technology is coming. Maybe you can save me. Who am I, you ask? India. Yours, truly." The train honks, aproaching with fury. As it is about to hit the man, you wake up. [[Get out of bed]]

You manage to sit up. Getting out of bed, you try to clear your thoughts. "What the heck was that?" Its not often that your dreams symbolize any form of patriotism. Heck, when was the last time you even gave a damn about the society you live in - A society you work for? You notice that you haven't turned off the alarm yet. [[Shut the alarm off and wake up]]

You decide to leave early for work. Shouting out a quick order of a large Veg. Sub and Half-a-Coke on your Smart Watch, you pick up your bags and exit the house. As you walk down the streets of South Vorli, you notice street vendors and the people passing by. "You heard about the announcement?(text-color: "yellow")[Rekha] is finally removing all sorts of costs for surfing the web!" You hear a woman excitedly shout out her thoughts on the street. Another passer-by looks at her, replying with his own opinion, "Oh yeah? and what about the cost of your privacy? For the love of Gods above, at least (text-color: "green")[Azaad] is protecting your identity." You don't have time to hear the rest of the conversation, and move forward. You check the time, you should get going. Grabbing your Subway order on the way, you reach the bus stand. [[Wait for the next bus]]

Thinking of what might be happening in the city while you're at home, you remember something your grandfather once told you. "When I was a young boy, my family and I would sit in front of a television and watch the news. What's a television you ask? Well, consider your... uhm... Smart Screen in a box-form. Yes, a BIG box. Now, imagine the box having a man inside, informing us of the world outside..." You reflect on that saying, smiling to yourself. 'I wonder how life would have been for my ancestors, without all the fancy tech in the world'. You proceed to tap on your smart watch. Robin, your AI-powered assistant starts narrating the news. (text-color: "cyan")["Good Morning Aarav. Its a lovely morning, isn't it? Which part of the News would you like me to narrate?"] [[Politics]] [[Entertainment]] [[Technology]]

'What's up with the politics?', You ask Robin. (text-color: "cyan")["Well. As the day of elections close on us, the two tech-giants: Rekha and Azaad have recently announced their new policies, and promises. As you already know, these corporative authorities have the power to change the Internet for us. Its important to understand the facts before we vote, right?"] [[Ask about Rekha]] [[Ask about Azaad]]

'What's the scene with Entertainment?' (text-color: "cyan")["Ah, where do I begin. Bollywood has crossed the 1 million mark of viewers each day - as the industry is reaching a global distribution of viewership. Since the day Youtube removed it's upload and download cap along with the copyright issues. Uploaders have been going crazy with re-mastering old films and eiditing shorter videos into 3-hour films. It is the age of the consumers, isn't it?"] 'Seems about it.' [[Politics]] [[Technology]] [[leave chat]]

'Update me on Tech stuff' (text-color: "cyan")["Very well. The feud between iOS and Android users is finally coming to a resolve - majority to do with privacy and censorship issues. Since Microsoft's newest project Cyclone lets people customize their own Operating Systems, Google and Apple have been trying their best to persuade people into using their 'minimal' and 'optimum' design trends. Who knows if this will work out?"] 'Interesting.' [[Politics]] [[Entertainment]] [[leave chat]]

'What did Rekha announce?' (text-color: "cyan")["As it happens, Rekha has focused on three major factors: Complete transpirancy with their ordeance, a free-for all Internet and a new privacy-for-the-net scheme."] 'Hmm...tell me about -' [[The privacy-for-the-net scheme]] [[a free-for-all internet]] [[leave chat]]

'What does Azaad have to say?' (text-color: "cyan")["The co-leader of Azaad announced three major promises. The first, there will be complete control over media for the viewers. Second, people will be able to form their own unique identities for the global internet. Third, They take complete responsibility for cyber-security across India."] 'I see. Tell me about - [[Media Control]] [[Unique identities]] [[leave chat]]

(text-color: "cyan")["Rekha has promised to provide a National Security plan for the citizens of India. Everyone who has access to the World Wide Web may keep their data unless and until they willingly change their preferences. This may end up changing a lot of End-User License Agreements. But it is what it is."] Tell me about [[a free-for-all internet]] [[Ask about Azaad]] [[leave chat]]

(text-color: "cyan")[Rekha, as a collective, is providing its users all of the Internet for free. No charges, no subscriptions. The catch is - all your sense of identity rests with Rekha. After all, you will be a Rekha user! Consider it as having a unique 'username' or 'gamertag'.] Tell me about [[The privacy-for-the-net scheme]] [[Ask about Azaad]] [[leave chat]]

(text-color: "cyan")["Azaad has announced a special plan if it gets elected. Viewers who view anything media related - News, articles, updates, whatever the case may be- its controlled by the user. The person viewing all of this may control 'where' it is coming from, who they can share it with, what parts of the it they don't want, etc."] Tell me about [[Unique identities]] [[Ask about Rekha]] [[leave chat]]

(text-color: "cyan")[Apparantly, Azaad - in order to improve their security - will have a Unique Identity scheme for everyone who uses their Internet. The moment you go online, you will need to make a seperate account - even anonymous, if you have to - which will become your one and true online identity. This identity will be viable across the World Wide Web.] Tell me about [[Media Control]] [[Ask about Rekha]] [[leave chat]]

'ah, never mind' you say. Robin acknowledges your thoughts. "Is there any other News you'd like to know about?" she asks you. [[Entertainment]] [[Technology]] [[Leave early for work]]

As you wait for the bus, you notice the banners and posters around you. *People Shouting* "Vote for Rekha! Your one and only supportive hand in the world raided by expensive technology!" one of them says. Right next to it is a poster which promises something else. "Vote for Azaad! If you do, the world of Cyber-Crime will no longer exist. You and every other citizen of this country shall protect their identity!" You think to yourself, and for once - the whole of a nation comes to your mind. [[Your bus arrives, get into it]]

You make your way across the filled seats. People looking outside. People thinking, people sleeping. They're so clueless, you think. You find an empty seat next to an old man. As you sit and make yourself comfortable - the man looks at you. A smile, almost familiar. "Hey there." [[Reply with a greeting.]] [[Ignore him]]

You smile back, greeting the old man. He tells you about his daily commute routine - from his house, to the AI company he works for. "Big developments in the future you know!" He says. "If I were a young man like you, I'd seize every opportunity I had in this life. But now, times are crucial... especially with this upcoming tech battle in the picture." You nod in agreement. "In my young days, elections were more about... people. Rather than two tech giants battling over 'who owns the internet'", He continues. "Son, be honest. How do you feel about these elections?" [[I feel a bit skeptical]] [[There is certainly hope for a better tech future for India]]

You choose to ignore him. His smile fades away. He looks outside the window, mumbling something to himself. You plug-in your earphones. With the press of a button, they connect to your e-mail and News account. Its going to take a while until you reach your office. [[Get updates on the News]] [[Wait until your stop arrives]]

You check-in with Robin, your AI-powered assistant. "Good morning Aarav! You'd like updates on the news, is it? Which part of it should I narrate to you?" [[update me on Politics]] [[update me on Entertainment]] [[update me on Technology]] 'That's alright, Robin. Thanks. [[Wait until your stop arrives]]

'What's the scene with Entertainment?' (text-color: "cyan")["Ah, where do I begin. Bollywood has crossed the 1 million mark of viewers each day - as the industry is reaching a global distribution of viewership. Since the day Youtube removed it's upload and download cap along with the copyright issues. Uploaders have been going crazy with re-mastering old films and eiditing shorter videos into 3-hour films. Its the age of the consumers, isn't it?"] 'Seems about it.' Go back to Menu [[Get updates on the News]]

'What did Rekha announce?' (text-color: "cyan")["As it happens, Rekha has focused on three major factors: Complete transpirancy with their ordeance, a free-for all Internet and a new privacy-for-the-net scheme."] 'Hmm...tell me about -' [[privacy-for-the-net?]] [[free-for-all internet?]] Go back to menu [[Get updates on the News]]

'What does Azaad have to say?' (text-color: "cyan")["The co-leader of Azaad announced three major promises. The first, there will be complete control over media for the viewers. Second, people will be able to form their own unique identities for the global internet. Third, They take complete responsibility for cyber-security across India."] 'hmm... tell me about -' [[the Media Control aspect]] [[the Unique Identities concept]] Go back to Menu [[Get updates on the News]]

(text-color: "cyan")["Rekha has promised to provide a National Security plan for the citizens of India. Everyone who has access to the World Wide Web may keep their data unless and until they willingly change their preferences. This may end up changing a lot of End-User License Agreements. But it is what it is."] 'Hmm. Tell me about -' [[free-for-all internet?]] [[Azaad]] Go back to menu [[Get updates on the News]]

(text-color: "cyan")[Rekha, as a collective, is providing its user all of the Internet for free. No charges, no subscriptions. The catch is - all your sense of identity rests with Rekha. After all, you will be a Rekha user! Consider it as having a unique 'username' or 'gamertag'.] 'Ah...tell me about' [[privacy-for-the-net?]] [[Azaad]] Go back to menu [[Get updates on the News]]

(text-color: "cyan")["Azaad has announced a special plan if it gets elected. Viewers who view anything media related - News, articles, updates, whatever the case may be- its controlled by the user. The person viewing all of this may control 'where' it is coming from, who they can share it with, what parts of the it they don't want, etc." 'Right. Tell me about -'] [[the Unique Identities concept]] [[Rekha]] Go back to the menu [[Get updates on the News]]

(text-color: "cyan")[Apparantly, Azaad - in order to improve their security - will have a Unique Identity scheme for everyone who uses their Internet. The moment you go online, you will need to make a seperate account - even anonymous, if you have to - which will become your one and true online identity. This identity will be viable across the World Wide Web. 'Oh...tell me about-'] [[the Media Control aspect]] [[Rekha]] Go back to Menu [[Get updates on the News]]

Finally, you reach your destination. Getting out of the bus, you can't help but notice the chatter of riots and complaints around you. You notice people shouting 'Rekha' and 'Azaad' on the street. Others choose to ignore this craziness. You see a child almost tripping over a broken pothole, his mum saving him from falling. You see a young woman busily reading into her Smart Glasses, almost crashing into a passing truck. The driver shouts a few swear words and moves on. In a cafe nearby, you spot a couple having breakfast with each other... except they're not. Both of the individuals are enganged in their Smartphones, making weird gestures - swiping, dragging, droppping and probably adding filters to their favorite posts. 'Maybe life would have been simpler without all this tech', you think to yourself. [[Step into your Office building]]

'In all honesty, I am skeptical about the future', you say. The man's smile fades away a little. He nods his head in agreement. "Well, if I were you... I might be scared too. Who knows what the future holds? For all we know, these tech giants might control EVERYTHING we gain access too. In the age of technology, that's kind of scary." He replies. You can't help but reflect on this. "Alright son, my stop has arrived. I should leave now. See you around!" You wave him goodbye, then get back to enjoying the rest of your journey. [[Get updates on the News]] [[Wait until your stop arrives]]

His smile widens. "Of course! After years of having been monitored, charged, and what not in the name of the Internet... finally techies are making sense. Hmm. Alright, that's my stop! See you around, son." You wave him goodbye. You wonder what the two tech-giants are planning? They'll surely do something better for all of us, but which one? You look forward to the rest of your journey. [[Get updates on the News]] [[Wait until your stop arrives]]

You step into the corridor, a lift happily waiting for you. It greets you. "Morning, Aarav. Where do you wish to go?" [[7th floor, HR office]] [[3rd floor, your office]]

"Awesome" The lift exclaims. 'Glad to know, someone is excited about the workplace', You think. As you step into the HR's office, the smell of the new air-conditioned room adores the professional in you. You straighten your posture, fix your hair a bit. "Aarav! Glad to see you." The HR head greets you. You greet back. "I know it may seem absurd to call you in here at such an odd time. But its important. As you know, tomorrow is the BIG day. And you're the PR lead... so we need you to be the one who votes first." [[What? Why me?]] [[Understood.]]

You step into your office, greeting your co-workers. The 'hello's', 'good morning's' and fake pleasantaries aside, you get to your desk. [[Check memo and e-mail]] [[Get done with today's work, leave]]

'Wait, why me?' You're confused. The HR Head raises an eyebrow. "As circumstances have it, we are out of other leads... and you're our best bet at representing all our interests. Of course, each of us can apply for the vote... but this time, we have raised an initiative to send ONE person to vote. In the sense, one wise guy who knows what he's doing. Don't dissapoint us!" Hmm. [[Understood.]]

You don't ask further questions, just like your parents taught you. You are a valuable part of this society, contributing to it's well-being... aren't you? So its in your best interest to comply with what people ask of you. Good guy, Aarav. "That would be all... see you tomorrow!" The HR Head shakes your head and leaves you be. It would be nice to go to your office now. Go to the [[3rd floor, your office]]

You read through your memos and e-mails (text-style: "shudder")[JUST A REMINDER] (text-color: "red")["As you know, tomorrow is the BIG day. And you're the PR lead... so we need you to be the one who votes. Be here by 9 tomorrow. P.S. - Don't be late, its a question of the future of this country's technology within communication. We are answerable to the world, aren't we?"] You keep wondering why they chose you, instead of anyone else - to vote. Shaking your head, you accept your fate. 'Its just a damn vote, nothing big.' You tell yourself. [[Get done with today's work, leave]]

Its dusk. Being one of the very few people in this city who get to leave their workplace before midnight, you cherish such moments. You take the bus back to your place. Stepping into your apartment, Robin greets you. (text-color: "cyan")["Good evening, Aarav. How was your day?"] [[It was alright]] [[Weird. They selected me.]]

Robin gives a thoughtful "aww". (text-color: "cyan")["Wasn't that great, hmm? I can sense from your tone. If I weren't just a voice-based AI, I'd definetly opt for functioning humanoid arms and make you a cup of cofffee, just the way you like it!"] She says. 'Hahah... thanks, Robin. You're great.' [[Call it a day, go to sleep]]

Robin chuckled. (text-color: "cyan")["Really? That is great. If I weren't an AI, and preferably a humanoid with functioning arms, I'd hug you right now. Aarav, that is wonderful... you have a good opportunity on your hands. Hope you make the right decision!"] 'Hopefully', you reply. [[Call it a day, go to sleep]]

You catch up on your sleep. In your dreams, you see an old man. The same...old man? A part of your conscious self can hear the local train outside - moving past Dadar station. And on the tracks, you see him. You wonder if he's there - trying to end his own life?! The almighty train approaches, and he doesn't flinch. "See that train, young man? That is the future. That is technology." With a blank expression, he looks at you. "Yes. You. See that? Technology is coming. Maybe you can save me. Who am I, you ask? This country. Yours, truly." The train honks, aproaching with fury. As it is about to hit the man, you wake up. *buzzzzz* [[Shut the alarm]]

Deja-vu? You feel like you have witnessed this earlier. Strange. You can't help but smile. 'Was the guy so bothered by me, he wanted to end his own life?' You step outside your bedroom. The film posters in the living room still remind you of your first day in this house - no Robin, no furniture, just an empty house where you'd store hope for a better life. And yes, you have been working towards it. There's few hours until office. Today is the day you need to be there. At all costs. Yet, an *eery* feeling holds you from going. [[Stay back home, call in an emergency]] [[Leave for the office]]

You choose to stay back. Taking this big a responsibility in your hands is not something you were destined for. Your conscious mind tells you. You give a voice command. 'Robin, call into the office. Tell them I'm sick, I can't make it. I can't vote.' (text-color: "cyan")["Are you sure about this?"] Robin asks you. [[Yes, I am]] No. Ignore this. They need me... [[Leave for the office]]

You leave the house, reaching the bus stop in a matter of minutes. When you reach your office, you're greeted by a handful of people and politicians dressed in white. "Namaste, sir! We are happy to have you here." "Oh praise the lords, you showed up!" You haven't felt this important in... maybe forever? In the midst of a corporate job, a life of solitude and taking part in the rat-race of this city, you have almost forgotten what it feels like... to matter! Not today. Today, its your day. [[Greet your hosts]] [[Smile, wave, make your way to the voting booth]]

Yes. You are sure of it. (text-color: "cyan")["Very well."] Robin says. Switching her tone to a more sympathetic and humble modulation, Robin makes the call. (text-color: "cyan")["...yes. Of course, I understand. He is not feeling good at all. Certainly not in the shape to cast a vote as important as this...yes, surely. I'll let him know"] She shuts the call. 'And...?' You're dead curious. (text-color: "cyan")["Well, they said they'll inform the authorities. You don't need to worry about this anymore. Its taken care of."] You haven't felt this relieved in a long time. You get back to your bed, falling asleep. [[Days later]]

You shake hands with everyone, smiling at everyone's politeness. "Sir, you HAVE to vote for Azaad. We all need a new identity! Cyber crime is no joke!" "Aarav, ignore everything else. Just keep Rekha in mind. They are going to revolutionize the Internet and free-market. Think of all the poverty which still exists!" The calmness in your head turns into anxiety. The decision you make will change lives for a long time... maybe forever? You stop smiling and greeting. Quickly, you move past the crowd. [[Reach the Voting booth]]

A part of you tells you - talking with these people will cloud your judgement. You need a clear head to make such an important decision. Keeping this in mind, you smile, nod and make your way through the tiny crowd. [[Reach the Voting booth]]

Finally, silence. The booth is part of the larger space in the office. Its air-conditioned, the scent of importance. There's a screen right in front of you. The room, the people outside, the machine - everyone assumes you are aware of all the facts. You are, aren't you? You approach the screen, ignoring the tension in the air. A classic touch-screen, keeping culture in mind. Neat. All you need to do now, is choose. (text-color: "red")[*Rekha or Azaad?*] Cast your vote - [[Rekha: One for all, all for One]] Cast your vote - [[Azaad: Own what is yours, Always]]

You vote for Rekha. Complete transpirancy with what they do... a free Internet without monetization... a new sense of privacy... what all could one ask for? Rekha is the right choice. Absolutely. Done with voting, you step outside - into a group of people cheering your name and congratulating you. You receive a boquet of the latest iPads, a code to claim a good amount of crypto-currency for later use and a fancy bunch of tech-savy gadgets. The politicans award you with fame, the media covers a good amount of your patriotism. You're a happy lad. More importantly, an important lad. [[What's next?]]

You vote for Azaad. A complete control over what kind of information people consume...a unique identity for everyone to stay anonymous...a stronger sense of cyber-security... what else can one ask for? Azaad is the future. It has to be! Done with voting, you step outside - into a group of people cheering your name and congratulating you. You receive a boquet of the latest iPads, a code to claim a good amount of crypto-currency for later use and a fancy bunch of tech-savy gadgets. The politicans award you with fame, the media covers a good amount of your patriotism. You're a happy lad. More importantly, an important lad. [[Days ahead]]

You, and 28 other voters had a chance to decide the fate of India's growing technological prowess. Harnessing just the power of the World Wide Web, Rekha has been selected as the authority making decisions over the use of the Internet, on a national basis. As they promised, transparency has been their optimum rule of thumb. From designing content-limiting use of the Internet's policies to limiting the amount of users on social media; Rekha has shared every form of critical info with the people. Youngsters (teenagers and adolescents) have formed a huge chunk of a targetted (as the media calls it) victims of clinical depression, due to the limiting use of social media apps and websites. The free-for-all scheme for the Internet worked well until the monopoly players in the market (industrial, business and entertainment) started capitalizing on the excessive use of their services. But hey, the internet is free...ish? -- Restart from the beginning? [[And so it begins.]]

When you decided to stay back, the 28 other voters of the country grew skeptic. Out of those 28, 9 backed out as well. Since the numbers decreased, the officials took a decision to not give one party the power, but asked both to co-operate in a visionary way. As it happens, Rekha's free-for-all Internet policy clashed with Azaad's Cyber Security program, causing a dispute among authorities. The result wasn't pretty. Every AI algorithm-operated device in India (even the ones with an advanced Machine Learning program) collapsed it's cloud sharing service - causing a massive leak in information. On a personal take, Robin unknowingly leaked every data input and information it had on your side. And so did millions of other machines. This has been one of the biggest data leak in the history of technological prowess in India, worse than Adhaar. -- Restart your journey? [[And so it begins.]]

You, and 28 other voters had a chance to decide the fate of India's growing technological prowess. Harnessing just the power of the World Wide Web, Azaad has been selected as the authority making decisions over the use of the Internet, on a national basis. The control-over-media policy has been one of the most widely used *and* misused policy India has witnessed in its history of law-making. People have censored negative content, some of which may have been crucial to their awareness of the world around them. On the other hand, there are people who's intake is purely negative forms of media which provokes envy, hate and jealously among larger groups of people. This has caused many riots and criticisms on Azaad ironic 'self-fulfilling prophecy'. Azaad's Cyber Security system has done a great job forming stronger firewalls among high-end security systems. Except, it can now decide when to turn it off/on without any authority's permission. This has aroused paranoia among the top hackers of the nation. Some of them have formed their own 'cults' - groups of anonymous hackers (ironically using Azaad's unique identity system) who will stop at nothing until they break into the corporate's security system. -- Restart your journey? [[And so it begins.]]

I want to (text-color: "red") [color this red]