Happy Navratri ✨

-• two birds, one stone •-

Rudra

Ever heard the susurration of leaves when the winds blow?

Is it a distraction or an alarm?

Who do you think it's helping?

The winds, or the forest?

"Can anyone tell me the four Ps of Marketing Management?" I keep my head down. Not because I can't answer, but because I don't want to answer. I deal with the practical approach of business every day. Sitting in a class of four walls and staring at the presentation isn't teaching you the grassroots of the business world. But who would tell that to these spoiled folks? All they want is a certificate to hang in their offices when they inherit their family-owned businesses.

"Anyone?" The professor asks. "These are the fundamentals of marketing. C'mon, don't stare at me looking so clueless." She sighs in disappointment. "Mr. Chauhan, you answer me."

The boy beside me startles in his seat. Sliding his phone beneath the book, he gets up to face the class. I look at him. He appears flustered.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"Did you even hear what I said? You're in the class, but it seems like your head is somewhere else." She crosses her arms on the chest, glaring at him sternly. "What are the four Ps of Marketing Management?"

Arush blinks, glances around the classroom, then looks down at me desperately, hoping I help him. I sigh and write down the answer on my word document, selecting the text and increasing the size so he can see from up there.

"Yes, Mr. Chauhan, I'm waiting! I don't have an entire day to waste on a single mark question." She demands angrily.

"Product, Price, Promotion, and Place." He rattles out like a parrot.

She looks unimpressed. "Was it that hard?" Her eyes flicker across the classroom, regarding every student with a poker face.

Multiple heads go down.

"Sit down, Arush. And if you need so much time to answer a question with the least marks, I can only pray you cover at least half of the paper within the allotted time." She taunts and waves at him to settle back before turning around to face the board, resuming the lesson.

"Fuck," he covers his face and lowers himself in the seat until only his head shows over the desk.

The bell rings, signalling the end of the day. The professor watches in disappointment as the class suddenly rejuvenates with a new found energy and files out of the door without bothering to copy the notes. A few pause briefly in front of the board to click pictures on their phones. Arush is one of them. I wonder if he ever looks through them.

"Shourya," I stop at the teacher's desk. "You submitted an assignment over latest trends in Digital Marketing last week."

"What about it?"

"I liked it." The woman smiles. "Professional and very precise. Keep up the good work."

I nod back and take my leave. Arush follows after me out of the classroom. I look at him weirdly when he tags alongside.

"I wanted to say thank you." He smiles.

"It's no big deal." I shrug and attempt to walk away.

"Taranya and you were in a relationship before Dad's death, right?"

I turn around to face him, my face blank, but I can tell he picked up on the initial surprise in my eyes because his own light up with triumph. "Did she tell you?"

He smirks. "No, I have a good instinct when it comes to stuff like this."

"Well, we're over."

"Really?"

I clench my jaw.

"Don't worry, I'm not telling any of my elder brothers. Especially Yuvraaj Bhai, who you're most scared of." He walks closer, a hint of playfulness flashing through his onyx eyes. "You've got unnaturally quiet after she left. Was it a bad break up?" He taunts.

"Mind your own business." I spit out before turning around to leave.

"Help me." The words stop me suddenly. He comes around to look me in the eyes. "I need your help. In exchange, you've my support."

"Support for what?" I scowl.

"Don't play dumb, Shourya. I know how a man looks at the woman he's besotted by. You're certainly not giving up on my sister. But you see, Dad's death made things between our families nasty. I know for a fact you're not on your grandfather's side. I may not know your plan, but I can tell you're aiming for something big." He states. "I'm sure you're aware I'm joining family business after getting my degree. You'll figure out a way to make me pay you back. But for now, I need your help."

I squint my eyes. "Help with what?"

"Teach me business." He answers.

I snort. "Your brother will be very much happy to make you his disciple. Spare me the horror." I walk past him. Our shoulders knock into each other accidentally but I don't look back for an apology.

The library is one place where chaos doesn't follow me. I walk into the business section and lean against the wall between the shelves. My head throbs painfully. Standing straight, I look through the options on the shelves and pick out the final year books.

I issue them at the reception and find an empty seat near the window. Setting the books down, I pull the chair and sit down. Grabbing the first book from the bunch, I open it, take out my pen from the backpack, open my laptop on the side and start taking notes.

My phone vibrates with a notification.

I press on the power button.

The screen reads one new message from Tarun.

I unlock the phone and click on the notification.

Tarun: img.jpg attached

My lips twist in detest.

"Who's that?"

I jolt so hard the phone slips from my hand and falls to my lap. I quickly press the power button, turning off the screen before looking over my shoulder at the person.

Arush grins.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, man?" I grunt, shoving the phone in my pocket before I bury my head in the book. He sits next to me. I avoid glancing his way. He'd leave once he realises I'm not interested in entertaining his antics.

"That was my sister and Janet." He mumbles after a moment of silence.

I stiffen. "No. It wasn't them."

"It was them." He says with conviction.

I look at him blankly.

"You know why?" He leans forward and turns his head, staring at the side of my face intently. "Because that white dress? I bought it for Janet."

I scoff. "Yeah, and then you chopped off the fingers of the designer, isn't that right Mr. Shah Jahan?" I eye him annoyedly. "Go away, Arush. Don't waste my time."

His face turns cold. "Stop acting so high and mighty." He snaps. "I'm not asking you for help-" I give him a look of deadpan. He fumbles with his next words. "I- I mean, yes, initially I called it help but I didn't mean that literally. I was being humble, alright." He huffs. "I'm striking you a deal."

"And what's that?"

"I'll keep your secret safe with me. That you were dating Taranya." He replies.

I roll my eyes. "That's not a deal. That's blackmail."

He blinks.

"Want to learn business?" I turn my chair and give him my entire attention.

He sits straight and nods eagerly.

"Make a deal I cannot refuse. That's your first test. Full marks and I'll take you in." I tell him. Getting up from the seat, I collect my things and hold the laptop to my chest, my backpack hanging on my right shoulder. "Good luck, Mr. Chauhan." I pat on his back in mock encouragement before walking out of the library.

Throwing my backpack in the backseat of my car, I put the laptop on the passenger seat and slip inside the vehicle on the driver's side. Turning on the ignition, I pull the car out of the parking lot and head directly towards Jumbo Steels' Headquarters.

Recently, I've started to go there often. There are many people in the office that are loyal to the Chairman. The last time he came, he pointed out how I wasn't a frequent visitor to my work place when I had been spending most of my time outside the palace. What would I tell him? That I've more important things to focus on? Jumbo Steels is a single tier manufacturing company. Apart from tying up with bigger corporations and goverment projects, it doesn't require much work. And after setting up a stable cash flow, I didn't even need to do anything. Many of Rajawats' loyal clients automatically drifted towards us.

Helping Rajawats' Corporation grow? That was never my plan. Yes, I want to inherit it all, but I know until Abhimanyu Rajawat is alive, my control on Rajawat Empire is namesake. All I want to do is manipulate the internal work infrastructure in a way that it becomes hollow from within. I'll make the most powerful business empire eat at its own inside until the rind. Like a parasite. And as it slowly crumbles, I'm going to pick up the pieces and build my own.

Esther Industries.

I already have Rajawat Innovations.

The next will be Rajawat Construction.

That evening when I explain my plan to Yuvraaj, he shakes his head. "Acquiring a construction subsidiary is not easy."

"Why not?" I frown. "Did you even hear me? Just look at the annual revenue. The company has been stagnant for the last five years. I can pick up that point for the next board meeting. You give it enough air."

"You're not understanding me, Shourya." He leans over, his arms bracing the black desk. "Esther Innovation can function without our constant monitoring because it's an IT company. And you're a tech guy. If I understand the finance, you understand the technology. But this," he points towards the board. "More man power, more investment and more connections! Because trust me, when you're in construction business, connections is all that gets you through. And I don't have that much time on my hands. I can't solely focus on Esther Industries. I've my own business to take care of as well."

"You're not only an investor but a CEO too. This company deserves as much your time as your own business does."

"I know." He presses. "But humanely, it's not possible. I'm not a robot. You don't even come to the office much lately. You can't expect me to work for two people!"

"It's not that I don't want to come!" I hiss. "The bastard suspects me all the damn time! I've to pretend to go there. And it's not that I sit idle there. Whatever workload I can finish under the watchful eyes, I try to do it."

He runs a hand across his face. "I'm tired. Let's continue this tomorrow." He gets up and puts on his blazer.

"Yuvraaj," I call out strictly.

Ignoring me, he picks up his phone and walks out of the office.

"Yuvraaj!" I shout.

The glass door falls close behind him. I throw the marker at the wall, sprawling on the guest chair in front of his desk before brushing an exasperated hand through my hair.

Rachel peeks in cautiously. I meet her eyes. "Lover's quarrel?"

I wave her off. She closes the door and retreats.

I'll need to find new investors. But that'd mean liquidating more asset. Groaning, I hold my face in my hands. The sound of horns and slogans make me wince. It continues to increase. Fed up, I storm out of the office. Rachel stands straight in attention.

"What's going on outside?" I demand.

"Vidhan Sabha elections are coming up, sir. Rallies and processions are going to be a frequent thing in the city for the next two months."

"Elections?"

She nods. "I wonder which party will win the majority of seats this time."

"Wouldn't that also decide the upcoming Chief Minister?"

She hums. "The ruling party will have majority of MLAs, so they'll choose one of their own to lead the seat. Unless an unexpected alliance happens. Politics is nasty. Who knows what will happen." She shrugs and sits back to focus on the work.

I look down at the floor, scuffing the sole of my leather shoe absent-mindedly. Walking to my office, I settle down in my chair and pull up the browser. After a night of relentless reasearch, I come up with a plan.

The sun comes up behind me and I take a shower in the ensuite bathroom. By the time I return to my desk, Rachel has served me with a cup of hot Americano and sandwiches on my desk.

I swallow the food hurriedly and head to the palace to get Yara. My paths cross with the Chairman in the living. He reads the newspaper while enjoying a cup of tea. I don't stop to greet and only pass him a nod. As I ascend the stairs, a thought strikes me. "Dadu?"

He puts the newspaper down and looks up at me.

"Elections are coming. Who are you supporting this time?" I lean against the railing.

He smiles lopsided. "Since when did you start taking interest in politics?"

"Just curious," I add nonchalantly.

"JNP has been the ruling party for the last two elections. I'm sure this time's elections will be no different."

"Right." I get an expected answer. "Alright, see you later." Rushing to my room, I change into a fresh pair of clothes, shove the glasses in my backpack and head back downstairs.

Instead of University, I drive back to the office. On my way, I drop a text to Yuvraaj so he'll stop by. When I reach, I find him in his office, facing the glass wall.

"Two coffees in the CEO's office." I command Rachel.

Yuvraaj turns around the moment I enter.

"What is it?"

"Connections. You were right. For construction, fuck that, for any business, we need connections. And when else would politics help us?" I say.

He frowns. "What are you trying to say?"

"Elections are coming up." I tell him.

"And?"

"Sit down," I point at his chair. He settles down. "Now listen to me carefully," that makes him lean in. I start explaining the strategy. By the time I finish, an understanding dawns on his face.

"So the bottom line is, I provide support to the opposite party?"

"Yes."

"And if they don't win the majority of seats?" He questions. "The Chairman will not only hold a grudge against me, I'll also lose the newly appointed Chief Minister's support."

"They will."

"How are you so sure?"

"Because I've done my research. We just need to use it the right way. The opposition party that JNP beat by mere seats in the last election has more young politicians. And do you know the population ratio of India? More than fifty percent of India's population is below the age of 25. Same goes for our state. Young generation wants to see people of their own age in the lead." I explain. "These parties follow the same old methods to lure the people. Processions and speeches are not going to help. People of new age are so busy working that they don't even pay attention to these things. So when the time of elections come, they go with the one majority of people around them have decided. Because believe it or not, most of us have given up on the country's political future. This generation cares more about the environment, of economics, of a clean and fulfilled life. And we need to approach them through the same means. Conferences, Guest Lectures, Street Plays, Flashmobs, Social Work. We need to use the latest media platforms. Reels, tiktok, magazines. We need the trust of youngsters."

He nods slowly.

"It's in our best interest that the next Chief Minister is only loyal to us. And for that, we need Bhartiya Janata Dal to win the elections."

"Alright, I get it." He replies. "But openly supporting the opposite party means I'll be going against the Chairman."

"You've a reason to be angry." I remind him.

"I know I do but-"

"Stop being afraid of him." I cut him off.

"I'm not afraid of anyone." He glares.

"Are you not?" I retort.

He looks away. "I'm only trying to protect what's left. I can't jeopardize my siblings' life for a risky gambling."

"Just trust me on this. Please." I say seriously. He appears reluctant. "Take your time. But I want your answer before the board meeting."

"Coffee?" Rachel knocks on the door. I lean back in my chair. She brings in the tray and serves us with the beverages.

"Thank you," Yuvraaj says to her.

She nods and walks out of the office.

He lifts the cup and takes a sip. I don't disturb him any longer. He needs to make the decision on his own. He's a practical man. I'll have to trust him with this.

Back at the University, Arush eats my ears off with bizzare offers.

"My Ferrari?" He whispers in the middle of the lecture. "It was imported from-" He shuts up when I shove his face away.

He tails me for the rest of the day, spouting bullshit every now and then. I get rid of him once the college ends.

My phone rings while I'm driving. I read the name on the screen and accept the call. "So, what did you decide?"

"I've told Zoya to set up a meeting with the party representative."

A smile triumphs me. "That's great. I've a board meeting tomorrow. Meet the representative then."

"Of course," he says before hanging up on the call.

The same night, I prepare all the necessary data for tomorrow's board meeting with the help of Yara.

So when I sit in the conference hall the next morning, I bring up the stagnation issue of Rajawat Construction. Virendra Pratap appears stumped. He looks at me with growing rage. One of his lackey is in the control of the Construction subsidiary. Not anymore.

He tries the familial approach. "Son, it's not that the company isn't growing-"

"Then what is it?" I question. "Look here, Dadu," I present the old man with all the factual. "Hundreds of millions are taken from the funds to resource the company, but what does the main corporation gets in return? Absolutely nothing. If anything, we're burning crores every year."

He reads the pages carefully and everytime he glances at his only son, the disappointment only grows.

"I'll need some-"

Secretary Khan rushes in and bends over, whispering something in the Chairman's ear. The old man stiffens. He looks down at the file in his hand before glancing at all of us. His gaze returns to me. "You handle this issue. I've something important to take care of." He hands me the file and leaves the conference room.

I hide my smirk.

The susurration of leaves when the winds blow?

It's a distraction.

Not an alarm.

He's so smart it's hot 🛐

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to vote and comment. Makes my day.