Chapter One.

Admission into Elite Coles University is often regarded as a matter of luck or strong connections.

The school's admission policy and conditions are stringent, making entry an almost insurmountable challenge.

Yet, for those who are accepted, the sense of security and prestige they gain is unmatched.

The school has built a reputation for being not just exclusive but also a haven for the most promising minds.

If someone had told Meera three years ago that she would one day walk through the gates of Elite Coles as a student, she would have laughed outright.

The idea of a middle-class girl like her gaining admission to such an elite institution was beyond her wildest dreams.

In her world, the school was an untouchable entity, a fortress of privilege that seemed far out of reach for someone from her background.

What set the university apart wasn't merely its rigorous academic program or its exclusivity, but the way it immersed its students in the real world from the very beginning.

Elite Coles had established an extensive network of industrial connections, allowing students to engage with leaders in their fields, gain practical experience, and step into the real world prepared for the challenges ahead.

The school didn't just educate, it molded its students into highly sought-after professionals.

For Meera, this network was one of the biggest advantages of attending Elite Coles.

Graduates from the university didn't just enter the workforce, they dominated it. Companies clamored to hire them, often offering positions even before graduation.

And once employed, these students often outperformed their peers, earning the admiration of their colleagues and securing permanent positions in top firms.

This was the unspoken promise of Elite Coles-success was almost guaranteed for those who passed through its gates.

"Finally, it's out." Jiya said with a heavy sigh, dropping into the seat across from Meera in the school cafeteria. Meera, engrossed in her cup of tea, looked up at her friend, who seemed more than a little stressed.

Jiya's fingers were moving furiously across her phone screen, typing at a speed that made Meera worry for the safety of the device.

"If you're not careful, you're going to break that phone screen." Meera teased, though curiosity flickered in her eyes. Something was clearly bothering Jiya.

"Are you okay?" Meera asked, her tone softer this time.

Jiya let out another sigh, her gaze shifting away from the phone for a moment.

"You haven't checked the group chat, have you?"

Meera frowned and shook her head, her mind quickly running through the list of things that could be happening.

Reaching into her bag, she rummaged around for her phone.

Once she had it in hand, she opened the class group chat, her eyes immediately catching the pinned message at the top, posted by the class president.

Her heart sank as she realized what the fuss was about.

Passed by the Class president from the Dean.

"Attention to all Commercial Scholars of 3rd year C&B23. The case study interview that's meant to take place by next month, has been drawn forward. The School authorities has it on hand that most companies added this year for each groups will be going to interview, agreed on the terms. Which means more time.

In conclusion, the project will be held for a month and each group are 6 members including the leader. Names of groups will be revealed tomorrow and more questions will be answered later"

Dean.

-Mr Kapoor.

"

Oh my God! Why was it shifted?" Meera gasped as her eyes finally scanned the message on her phone.

The class group chat was buzzing with activity, students reacting to the sudden change.

Some were upset about the interview project being moved forward, while others seemed oddly relieved by the adjustment.

Jiya, sitting across from her, rolled her eyes in frustration.

"No idea. I can't believe we have to deal with this sooner than expected. I spoke to a few seniors about this interview project. Some of their answers were helpful, but others..." She paused and shivered, clearly unsettled.

Meera's curiosity piqued.

"Bad? What do you mean 'bad'? It's just an interview, right?" she asked, her tone innocent, trying to make sense of Jiya's unease.

Jiya leaned forward, her voice dropping to a more serious tone.

"Well, yeah, it's an interview, technically. But not all businessmen are just businessmen." She emphasized the word "businessmen" with air quotes, her expression darkening.

Meera frowned, confusion crossing her face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Jiya sighed, her voice carrying a weight that made Meera sit up straighter.

"The senior didn't give too many details. He just said some of the people we're supposed to interview aren't exactly who they seem. They hide behind their businesses to cover up... other activities. Shady activities." She paused, watching Meera's reaction. "And there's one thing he was adamant about: we should pray we don't end up assigned to A.M. Empire. It was added to the list last year for the first time."

Meera's eyes widened in shock. "A.M. Empire? You mean the one run by Arjun Madhav?" Her voice quivered as she spoke his name, fear flickering in her eyes.

Jiya nodded gravely, her expression mirroring the dread Meera felt.

"Yeah, the same. Everyone knows who he is. He's not just a businessman, he's a mafia boss. One of the most feared men in India."

Meera swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. Arjun Madhav's name was synonymous with danger.

His empire was vast, his influence unmatched, and the stories about him... terrifying.

"But... why would the school put A.M. Empire on the list for student interviews? Isn't that risky?"

"Of course it's risky." Jiya replied, shrugging as if the answer were obvious.

"But the thing is, A.M. Empire is still a legitimate business. On the surface, they follow all the rules, have strong connections, and, honestly, they're one of the best companies in the country. That's why they got listed for interviews last year. But just because it's a running business doesn't mean it's not dangerous."

Meera's thoughts were racing. "How can it be the best if a mafia boss is running it?" she almost yelled, her frustration bubbling over.

The idea of possibly being sent to interview at such a place made her heart race in fear. The school list wasn't even out yet, and she was already spiraling into anxiety.

Jiya shrugged again, taking a nonchalant bite of her corn.

"I don't know. But that's how things work here. A.M. Empire is a powerhouse in the business world. Their rules are strict, their connections are powerful, and people who work with them succeed. But yeah, it's a mafia front, so it's not exactly safe."

Meera's mind was racing. The thought of being associated with Arjun Madhav or his empire was terrifying.

She'd heard stories, rumors that painted him as ruthless, a man who stopped at nothing to get what he wanted.

His influence was so far-reaching that even the government seemed to turn a blind eye to his activities.

"Just pray we don't end up on the list for A.M. Empire." Jiya added, her tone almost casual, as if she hadn't just dropped a bombshell.

But Meera could feel her heart pounding in her chest, anxiety clawing at her insides.

'Please, God, don't let me be on the list for A.M. Empire' she thought desperately.

The mere idea of stepping into that company sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't just an interview. It was walking into the lion's den.

She furrowed her brows, trying to reason with herself.

'What am I saying? There are over a hundred students participating in this project. The chances of me getting chosen for A.M. Empire are slim... right? I can't possibly get picked. Relax, Meera.'

She took a deep breath, attempting to calm the panic building inside her.

Her mind raced through the odds, trying to reassure herself. But the unease in her stomach remained, a heavy knot of dread that refused to disappear.

"Relax, Meera." she muttered under her breath, trying to convince herself. But no matter how many times she said it, the fear of being selected for A.M. Empire loomed over her like a dark cloud.

"Let's not talk about him anymore." Jiya said, breaking the tense silence that had settled between them. She glanced at Meera, who was still lost in thought.

"So, how's the new job? You liking it?"

Meera nodded absentmindedly, though her mind was still tangled in the unsettling conversation they'd just had. She tried to shake off the lingering anxiety.

"It's stressful, but fine." she finally replied.

Jiya raised an eyebrow and grinned.

"Stressful? Really? I didn't know putting books back on shelves and organizing them could be so hard!" she teased, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Meera couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit.

"Well, when you put it like that..." she chuckled. Working at the library was her little side hustle, a way to keep her pocket money flowing.

It wasn't glamorous, but it was peaceful, and she liked the routine of it.

"And how's the restaurant? Still eating your way through all the food, I see?" Meera shot back, her tone playful as she watched her friend's cheeks flush a light shade of pink.

Jiya rolled her eyes, but she was clearly embarrassed.

"Very funny, Meera." she mumbled, though a smile tugged at her lips.

Jiya's love for food was well-known, but what made it even funnier was how it never seemed to affect her figure.

Despite being a self-proclaimed foodie, she stayed slim and fit, much to everyone's bewilderment.

Meera laughed harder at her friend's reaction. "Seriously though, I don't know how you do it. I'd be twice my size if I worked at a restaurant like you do!"

Jiya shrugged with a mischievous grin. "Good metabolism, I guess. Plus, I burn it off running around waiting tables all day."

They both laughed, and for a moment, the dark cloud of their earlier conversation lifted, replaced by the comfort of their lighthearted banter.

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7:15 pm

"Didi!" Veda's face lit up as soon as she saw her sister step through the door.

"Beta! How was work?" their mother called out from the kitchen, carrying a few dishes in her hands. Veda quickly rushed over to help her.

"It was fine, Ma." Meera replied, her eyes scanning the room. "Where's Papa? I don't see him."

"Oh, he called earlier." her mom said, placing the dishes on the dining table with Veda's help. "He'll be home late tonight."

Meera nodded, a bit disappointed, but used to her father's busy schedule.

"Okay." she said, watching her mom head back toward the kitchen.

"Go freshen up, then come down for dinner." her mother instructed over her shoulder, disappearing into the kitchen with Veda at her side.

Meera climbed the stairs and made her way to her room, which she shared with her younger sister. As she walked in, the familiar sense of comfort washed over her, a small reprieve from the stress of the day.