After returning from the exhibition, Aryan informed his mother about purchasing a new car and his upcoming meeting in Ahmedabad. As he turned toward his room, he paused and added:
Aryan: "After the meeting, I'll be heading to Mumbai for some personal work."
Mother: "How long will that take?"
Aryan: "I'm not quite sure."
Mother: "Alright then."
(Ever since Aryan had returned from his intense training, his mother had sensed a transformation in him—something radiant and profound. She had stopped questioning him altogether, trusting his decisions completely.)
Without saying much more, Aryan walked into his room and began his daily meditation. An hour passed. Just then, a massive freight truck pulled up outside his home. Aryan, still immersed in a calm state, instantly sensed its arrival.
He stepped outside, where a middle-aged man emerged from the truck.
Aryan (approaching him): "Greetings, Mr. Sharma."
Mr. Sharma (smiling): "Hello, Mr. Aryan. Your Thar and the two Beasts are here."
At his signal, Mr. Sharma's team unloaded a gleaming SUV and two powerful motorbikes.
Mr. Sharma: "Would you like to take one of them for a test ride?"
Aryan: "Yes. The Kawasaki, please."
Aryan mounted the Kawasaki and rode off down the empty road. A few minutes later, he returned and nodded with subtle appreciation.
Aryan: "It rides beautifully."
Mr. Sharma: "Would you like to try the others as well?"
Aryan: "No need."
Mr. Sharma (stepping closer): "Mr. Aryan, I came here personally to thank you. We never imagined we'd sell both of these premium models in one go—and thanks to that, I'll be receiving a very generous commission."
Aryan (nodding): "I understand, and I respect your sincerity."
Mr. Sharma (handing over a card): "If you ever need any vehicle in the future—any model, any brand—just give me a call."
The vehicles were parked in Aryan's private garage. After that, Aryan went back inside, had dinner, and went to sleep.
---
The Next Morning
Aryan woke before sunrise. After practicing his martial stances and completing his breathing exercises, he bathed, had a light breakfast, picked up his travel bag, and left for the airport.
From Kumbhirgram Airport in Udharbond, Aryan boarded a flight and reached Ahmedabad around 4 PM after nearly six hours. He took a taxi to Regenta Central Antarim Hotel. Once checked in, he placed his luggage in his room and headed downstairs.
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The Meeting
Aryan was scheduled to meet Saurabh Srivastava and Pratishtha Srivastava in the hotel's café.
As he entered the café, he spotted a man and a woman in mid-conversation, discussing business. He approached them.
Aryan: "Good evening, Mr. Saurabh Srivastava, Mrs. Pratishtha Srivastava."
The couple looked up.
Saurabh: "Are you Aryan Paul?"
Aryan (smiling slightly): "Yes, I am."
Pratishtha: "Please, have a seat."
Aryan sat down.
Saurabh: "I was intrigued by your request to meet. Do you know why?"
Aryan: "Because about a month ago, my uncle and cousin tried to approach you to purchase the Kachar Club Hotel, but you declined."
Saurabh (eyebrows raised): "And despite that, you still reached out. Did you know—"
Aryan (interrupting): "I knew you didn't read my email in full. Otherwise, you wouldn't have assumed I was here for the same reason."
Pratishtha (curious): "So, you're not here to buy the Kachar Club Hotel?"
Aryan: "No."
Saurabh (slightly impatient): "Then why are you here? Are you wasting our time?"
Aryan (calmly): "I want to buy the entire Siara Hotel Group."
(A moment of stunned silence followed. Both Saurabh and Pratishtha stared at Aryan, clearly shocked.)
Saurabh: "Do you even know who I am? Do you understand the power I wield?"
Aryan: "I know both of you well. But before saying anything else, perhaps you should finish reading that email."
They quickly scanned Aryan's original proposal. Their expressions shifted from confusion to disbelief.
Pratishtha (almost whispering): "You're serious… You really want to acquire the entire Siara Group?"
Aryan: "Yes. And if we can do this discreetly, I'm also prepared to invest in your other ventures."
Saurabh (after a pause): "In that case, I'm willing to sell you my shares."
Pratishtha: "I am as well."
Contracts were drawn up and signed. Aryan, using his elite black debit card, transferred the full amount on the spot. The deal was done.
Saurabh (extending his hand): "Mr. Aryan, before you leave, I'd like you to meet someone."
Aryan: "Who?"
Saurabh made a call. Soon, a sharply dressed man walked into the café.
Man: "Good evening, ma'am. Sir. How may I help you?"
Pratishtha: "There's nothing to help with. We want you to meet your new boss."
Saurabh: "Aryan, this is Mr. Rajan Arora, General Manager of the Siara Group. Rajan, meet Mr. Aryan Paul—your new boss."
Rajan (smiling and extending his hand): "Good evening, Mr. Aryan. Congratulations on your acquisition."
Aryan (firmly): "Have a seat. And one thing—don't call me 'boss' or 'sir'. Let's just get straight to business."
Pratishtha (standing up): "Rajan is one of our most trusted people."
Saurabh and Pratishtha then took their leave.
---
The Real Talk Begins
Aryan: "Tell me everything I need to know about Siara Group."
Rajan: "Certainly, Mr. Aryan."
Aryan (sternly): "I said don't call me that."
Rajan: "Right. Apologies."
Rajan (gathering himself): "Siara Group currently owns five hotels and resorts—one in Silchar, two in Rajkot, one in Gandhinagar, and one in Viramgam. We're also expanding into Gangtok, Guwahati, Navsari, Jaipur, and Bhopal. Several new properties are in the pipeline."
Aryan (nodding): "I can see you're passionate about your work."
Rajan: "Absolutely. It's not just a job—it's my calling."
Aryan: "Then you won't mind answering a few serious questions."
---
But what is Aryan going to ask?
Why does he truly want to go to Mumbai?
And… is something dangerous waiting for him there?