Logline: As Duryodhana's envy festers, fueled by his cunning advisor, the Pandavas showcase their collaborative brilliance. Meanwhile, a formidable outsider talent, Karna, enters the corporate arena, unknowingly drawing the battle lines even tighter.
[SCENE START]
INT. DURYODHANA'S LUXURY APARTMENT - NIGHT
The apartment is sleek, minimalist, and expensive, overlooking the glittering cityscape. DURYODHANA (20s), still in his sharp suit, paces restlessly. He clutches a tablet, scrolling through news feeds – articles praising "DharmaTech's ethical AI initiatives," whispers about Arjuna's "genius-level algorithms." His face is contorted with a mixture of anger and a deeper, more vulnerable insecurity.
A man with sharp, calculating eyes and a perpetually calm demeanor, SHAKUNI (50s, impeccably dressed, a subtle, almost imperceptible smirk playing on his lips), sits on a plush sofa, nursing a glass of amber liquid. He is Dhritarashtra's brother-in-law, and Duryodhana's most trusted (and dangerous) advisor.
"Another puff piece on the Pandavas," Duryodhana snarls, throwing the tablet onto a glass table. "Ethical AI. Collaborative spirit. It's all just PR fluff. My 'Kaurava-Predict' is already outperforming their entire research division."
Shakuni takes a slow sip. "Performance is one thing, my dear nephew. Perception is another. The public, the board... they crave a narrative. And the Pandavas, with their 'humble' origins and 'noble' ideals, are crafting a compelling one."
Duryodhana stops pacing, turning to Shakuni. "But it's my birthright. This company, this legacy... it should be mine. Pandu's ghost still haunts these halls, and now his sons, with their sanctimonious 'dharma,' are trying to usurp what's rightfully ours." His voice drops, revealing a raw edge of fear. "What if Grandfather Bhishma... what if he truly favors them?"
Shakuni's smirk widens almost imperceptibly. "Bhishma is bound by his own rigid code, a vow he made long ago. He will not directly interfere. And your father, the CEO... his heart beats only for you, Duryodhana. We simply need to ensure that the company's future aligns perfectly with your destiny. And sometimes, destiny needs a little... persuasion."
He leans forward, his voice a low, conspiratorial murmur. "Perhaps a small 'technical glitch' in DharmaTech's upcoming demo? A minor data leak that casts doubt on their 'privacy' claims?"
Duryodhana's eyes gleam. The insecurity recedes, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve.
INT. DHARMATECH DIVISION OFFICE - DAY
The DharmaTech office is a vibrant, open-plan space, filled with whiteboards covered in complex algorithms and diagrams. The atmosphere is collaborative, buzzing with focused energy.
YUDHISHTHIRA (20s) leads a small team, reviewing a beta version of their new secure messaging app, "DharmaChat."
"The end-to-end encryption is solid," Yudhishthira states, pointing to a section of code on a shared screen. "But the user interface needs to be intuitive, not just secure. We need mass adoption for this to truly make an impact on privacy standards."
ARJUNA (20s), sitting at a nearby station, quickly types, adjusting lines of code. "I've streamlined the authentication process. It's now biometric, with multi-factor verification, but feels seamless. Bhima, can you run a penetration test on the new protocol?"
BHIMA (20s), already at a separate console, grins. "Gladly. Let's see if anyone can break this wall." He cracks his knuckles, his fingers flying across the keyboard, launching a simulated cyberattack.
NAKULA (19) and SAHADEVA (19) are analyzing user feedback data, identifying potential friction points in the UI. "Users are finding the initial setup a bit clunky," Nakula reports, pushing a holographic graph towards Yudhishthira. Sahadeva adds, "But once they're in, the feedback on security is overwhelmingly positive."
The Pandavas work in seamless synergy, a stark contrast to the more hierarchical and often competitive environment of Duryodhana's division.
INT. KURU GLOBAL RECRUITMENT SHOWCASE - DAY
A bustling hall, filled with top talent from universities and startups, all vying for coveted positions at Kuru Global. Representatives from various divisions have booths.
At a small, less prominent booth, away from the main Kuru Global display, sits KARNA (20s, intense eyes, a quiet confidence, dressed in simple but sharp attire). He's showcasing his independent AI-driven logistics optimization platform. His tech is revolutionary, but he lacks the polished presentation of the Ivy League graduates.
A senior recruiter from Kuru Global's main HR department walks by, barely glancing at Karna's display. "Impressive, but a bit niche for our current needs," she mutters dismissively, moving towards a booth from a rival, prestigious university.
Karna's jaw tightens. He's used to being overlooked, to fighting for recognition.
Suddenly, DURYODHANA (20s), flanked by Dushasana, strides through the hall, his presence drawing attention. He stops at Karna's booth, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the complex algorithms and the raw power of Karna's platform.
"This is... remarkable," Duryodhana says, genuinely impressed. He sees not just talent, but a kindred spirit – someone who, like him, feels overlooked by the established order. "Who are you?"
"Karna," he replies, meeting Duryodhana's gaze unflinchingly.
Duryodhana extends a hand. "Duryodhana. President of Operations, Kuru Global. Your tech... it could revolutionize our supply chain. Why aren't you with one of the major incubators?"
Karna shrugs, a hint of bitterness. "They prefer pedigree over potential."
Duryodhana smiles, a genuine, almost predatory smile. "Then you've come to the right place, Karna. Kuru Global values results. And I... I value loyalty above all else. Come, let's talk. I have a feeling we could do great things together."
Karna looks at the outstretched hand, then back at the dismissive recruiter. He takes Duryodhana's hand, a silent pact forming.
INT. BHISHMA'S OFFICE - LATER DAY
Bhishma reviews a report on new hires and promising talents. He pauses on Karna's profile – a brilliant, self-taught engineer from an unconventional background, recently brought in by Duryodhana. Bhishma's gaze is thoughtful, a flicker of concern in his eyes. He senses the raw power, but also the potential for imbalance.
He picks up a framed photo on his desk: a younger Dhritarashtra and Pandu, smiling, side-by-side. The picture captures a moment before the shadows fell, before the "unseen crown" became a source of such bitter contention.
NARRATION (BHISHMA - V.O.) "A company, like a family, seeks balance. But when ambition outweighs integrity, and loyalty is bought rather than earned, the scales begin to tip. The old alliances shift. And the greatest talents, if unacknowledged, can become the most formidable weapons in the hands of those who offer them a place to belong."
The screen fades to black.
[SCENE END]