📖 Chapter 27 – The Supply Chain War
The third stall had been open only a week, but already the corporate district buzzed with Raj's name. Executives hurried down from their glass towers during lunch breaks, eager for fusion pavs and chocolate gulab jamuns. College students bragged about eating at all three stalls, while commuters carried tales of Raj's flavors into every corner of the city. His empire had crossed a threshold.
But growth brought new hunger. Supplies that once lasted a week now vanished in days. Flour, oil, spices—everything was consumed faster than Raj had imagined. Meena's sharp bookkeeping revealed the truth: if they kept buying retail, profits would shrink to nothing.
That night, the system glowed with its new gift:
[Supply Chain System – Level 1 Activated.]
Features:
– Direct Wholesaler Negotiation
– Bulk Purchase Discounts
– Inventory Tracking
Raj's eyes lit up. This was the tool of real businesses, something his past life had never given him. With this, he could cut costs, secure stable supply, and grow faster than ever.
The next morning, Raj visited the wholesale markets of Mumbai, the air thick with the scent of spices and the shouts of traders. Wholesalers eyed him with curiosity as he negotiated—firm, respectful, and armed with system-assisted precision. Contracts were struck, discounts secured, and for the first time, Raj felt the foundation of a true chain forming beneath his feet.
But shadows stirred. Shankar, humiliated by failed rumors and flames, learned of Raj's new deals. Rage twisted his face as he slammed a glass onto his counter. "So the boy thinks he can bargain with the big men? Then let's see how he cooks without flour, without oil, without spices. Let's see his empire starve."
Within days, trouble began. Trucks that were meant to deliver ingredients never arrived. Suppliers who had promised contracts suddenly refused to answer calls. When Raj went back to the wholesale market, doors that had once opened wide now shut coldly. Whispers followed him through the alleys: "Don't deal with him. Orders have been placed."
Raj understood instantly. Shankar had pulled strings, using bribes and threats to choke his supply. His empire had stalls, customers, and loyalty—but without ingredients, it was nothing.
That night, Raj gathered his team. The room was heavy with worry. Arjun clenched his fists. "Bhaiya, we can't let him cut us off! People are waiting for us every day. If we close even one stall—"
Raj raised a hand, silencing him. His voice was calm, but fire burned in his eyes. "Shankar thinks food is just about flour and oil. But food is more than ingredients—it's relationships. Trust. Community." He turned to Meena. "Tomorrow, we start local sourcing. Farmers, small traders, anyone ignored by the big players. We will build our own chain."
The system pulsed warmly, as if approving his resolve:
[Side Mission Unlocked: Build Independent Supply Network.]
Reward: Supply Chain System – Level 2.
Raj smiled faintly. Shankar had tried to choke him, but instead had handed him a reason to build something stronger. Not just a chain of stalls—but a chain of people, bound by trust instead of money.
Meanwhile, in the dark alleys, Shankar celebrated, convinced Raj's days were numbered. "Let him run," he sneered, "but soon, he'll have nothing left to serve."
Back in the hostel, Raj stared at the glowing panel, his voice calm but resolute. "No, Shankar. You don't understand. You can't starve an empire built on loyalty. And tomorrow, you'll see why."