Chapter 12: Courtship of Power
The morning sun spilled across Mumbai's skyline, painting the skyscrapers in shades of gold and fire. For most of the city, it was just another day.
For Aanya, it was war.
She stood in front of the mirror, fastening the final button on a navy-blue blazer. The woman staring back at her wasn't the broken ex-convict who had walked out of prison weeks ago. Her eyes were sharper now, her posture straighter.
[Ding!]
Subtask Reminder: Secure 3 Board Allies.
Progress: 0/3.
Time Remaining: 5 Days, 18 Hours.
Arjun's voice drifted from the couch, calm but commanding. "You look like someone ready to crush empires."
She glanced at him through the mirror. He was dressed simply — a black shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, his lean frame radiating quiet strength.
Aanya smirked faintly. "That's the plan."
Meera, adjusting her glasses while flipping through notes, added, "Remember, Mr. Kothari isn't easy to sway. He's wealthy, cautious, and already deep in Rajiv's pocket. But if we can win him, the board will start to tilt in your favor."
Aanya nodded, her voice steady. "Then let's make sure he sees who really deserves his loyalty."
The meeting took place in Kothari's private club, an opulent haven where Mumbai's elite sealed deals over expensive cigars and single-malt whisky.
As Aanya stepped into the marble-floored lounge, all conversation seemed to pause for a fraction of a second. She could feel the weight of curious stares — some filled with recognition, others with disdain.
Arjun walked just behind her, a silent shadow. Meera led the way, her sharp eyes scanning the room.
Mr. Raghav Kothari sat near the window, his silver hair perfectly combed, his tailored suit crisp. He looked up as they approached, his expression unreadable.
"Ms. Malhotra," he greeted smoothly. "Or should I say… ex-Ms. Malhotra?"
Aanya's smile was cool. "Titles don't matter. Results do."
He gestured for her to sit. "You've made quite a splash since your release. Storming into a board meeting uninvited, accusing your uncle of fraud. Some might call that reckless."
"Some," she replied evenly, "might call it courage."
Arjun's lips quirked faintly at her response.
Kothari chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But boldness doesn't win wars. Influence does. And your uncle, like it or not, still holds the reins."
Aanya leaned forward slightly, her voice low but cutting. "Influence without integrity crumbles. Rajiv is selling Malhotra Global's legacy to the highest bidder. I have the proof. If he succeeds, the value of your shares will plummet."
Meera slid a document across the table. Kothari glanced at it, his brow furrowing.
He didn't speak immediately. Instead, he set the papers down and studied her intently. "You've grown sharper. Prison must have been a fine tutor."
The words stung, but Aanya didn't flinch. "Prison taught me who I can trust. And it taught me to never bow again."
Kothari's eyes narrowed slightly — perhaps with respect, perhaps with doubt.
But then his phone buzzed. He picked it up, his expression shifting almost imperceptibly.
Aanya's instincts flared. "Rajiv?"
Kothari didn't answer directly. He simply slid the phone face-down onto the table. "Your uncle warned me you'd come. He offered me exclusive rights in his overseas expansion deal. A fortune, guaranteed."
Aanya's pulse spiked. Rajiv anticipated me.
[Ding!]
Task Update: Rajiv's Counteroffer Detected.
Negotiation Difficulty Increased.
Kothari leaned back, steepling his fingers. "So tell me, Ms. Malhotra. Why should I risk siding with you — a woman with no company, no assets, no army — when Rajiv offers certainty?"
For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy.
Arjun leaned forward slightly, his deep voice breaking through the tension. "Because Rajiv's certainty is a lie. And because this woman," he nodded toward Aanya, "isn't building an army. She is the army."
Kothari's gaze flicked to Arjun, curiosity piqued. "And you are?"
"Her shield," Arjun said calmly. "And the blade that will cut down anyone who tries to stop her."
Aanya felt a strange warmth stir in her chest at his words.
But she couldn't afford distraction. She met Kothari's eyes again. "Rajiv offers you quick profit, yes. But when the fraud surfaces — and it will — you'll be dragged down with him. Align with me, and you'll not only protect your wealth, you'll help restore Malhotra Global to its rightful legacy. History doesn't remember those who followed tyrants. It remembers those who chose justice."
The system chimed softly.
[Ding!]
Skill Activated: Strategic Influence.
Persuasion success rate increased by 20%.
Kothari's eyes lingered on her, sharp and weighing. Finally, he set his glass down. "You speak well. But words are cheap. Show me proof Rajiv's deal is as dangerous as you say. Then… perhaps I'll consider it."
Aanya exhaled slowly. "You'll have it. Soon."
Kothari stood, adjusting his cufflinks. "You have three days. After that, Rajiv's offer becomes too good to refuse."
He gave a curt nod and walked away.
Outside, on the club's steps, Aanya's composure cracked. She clenched her fists. "Three days… damn him, he's already tightening the noose."
Meera's tone was grim. "Rajiv's not just playing defense anymore. He's anticipating your every move."
Arjun's gaze was steady. "Then we have to strike faster. Hit him where he doesn't expect."
Aanya looked at him, her chest tight with both fear and determination. "Then tomorrow, we dig into Blackthorn Holdings deeper. If Kothari wants proof, we'll give him proof Rajiv can't bury."
Arjun nodded, his eyes softening for just a moment. "And if Rajiv sends more shadows, I'll cut them down."
Her heart skipped at the quiet ferocity in his words. She forced herself to focus.
[Ding!]
Progress Update: Board Allies Secured — 0/3.
Subtask Timer: 3 Days until Kothari's Decision.
The war for Malhotra Global had officially begun.
Later that night, as they returned to the shelter, Arjun lingered by the window while Aanya set the documents on the table.
She finally spoke, her voice quiet. "You meant what you said in there. About being my shield."
Arjun turned, his eyes locking on hers. "And my blade."
The air between them thickened, unspoken emotions swirling in the silence.
Aanya's heart pounded, but she forced a smile. "Then let's hope the queen and her blade are enough to bring down an empire."
He stepped closer, his voice low, dangerous, and certain. "For Rajiv… we'll be more than enough."
Far across the city, in a dimly lit penthouse, Rajiv swirled a glass of wine, a satisfied smile curving his lips as he ended his call.
"So, my dear niece," he murmured. "You think you can win over Kothari? Let's see how well you play when the board itself starts turning against you."
He raised his glass to the night. "The queen has returned. Time to see if she can survive the court."