Aradhna stood in the corridor of the Chief Minister’s official bungalow, the morning light already harsh against the white walls. Her hands smoothed the front of her simple cotton saree, the one she had chosen for the short drive from her flat. The oath ceremony was scheduled for eleven. She had rehearsed the words in her head the entire previous night. Junior Minister for Women and Child Development. The title still felt unreal.

The private secretary opened the door to the inner sitting room and stepped aside. The Chief Minister was already there, seated in a deep leather chair, two senior cabinet colleagues flanking him. One was the Home Minister, thick-set, grey at the temples. The other was the Minister for Urban Development, leaner, sharper-eyed. All three looked at her as she entered.