Chapter Three.

Meera paced in the hallway, biting her lip-a well-known habit she fell into whenever anxiety gripped her.

Her eyes scanned the school corridor, darting from one face to another, searching for someone who seemed nowhere to be found.

A sigh escaped her as she turned to head back inside, mentally bracing herself for the news ahead.

Just as she was about to enter the hall, she heard someone call her name. She spun around, and there was Jiya, running toward her with a grin so big it nearly outshone the morning sun.

"Sorry, I'm so late!" Jiya panted, catching her breath.

Meera smiled, relieved.

"It's okay, but we really have to hurry now. The hall is already packed, and we can't afford to miss the announcement." she said, pulling Jiya along toward the bustling auditorium.

Inside, murmurs and whispers filled the room as students shifted in their seats, buzzing with anticipation.

Clusters of friends leaned in close, speculating about the Interviewing placements they were hoping for, most crossing their fingers they'd be placed in the same company.

"Ugh, and I thought we were running late." Jiya groaned as they made their way down the crowded aisles. They eventually found seats toward the back, just in time.

"Hey, at least we got here before the announcements started." Meera whispered, grateful they hadn't missed anything important. "Now we just have to wait and listen for the names."

Jiya grinned, her excitement evident. "I hope we get to work on the same team! And maybe..." she wiggled her eyebrows, "we'll get to interview Mr. Khan!"

"Mr. Khan?" Meera raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled.

"Oh, you don't know him? Yuvraj Khan! His company also ranks as one of the best in India! And honestly, he's not just successful-he's a masterpiece." Jiya sighed dreamily, her eyes sparkling as she imagined him.

Meera stifled a laugh, amused by her friend's admiration. "Have you even met him?"

Jiya looked away sheepishly. "Well... I may have done a little late-night digging. Let's just say he's... memorable."

With dramatic flair, Jiya launched into a description of him.

"Yuvraj Khan, a businessman and titan in his industry, has built an empire of hotels, restaurants, and clubs all over India, especially here in Mumbai. He's practically a household name." she added, her tone filled with awe.

Meera shook her head, still amused. "Sounds like he's doing alright for himself." she admitted, impressed despite herself.

"Oh, but he's nothing compared to Arjun Madhav." Jiya continued, her voice dropping a little. "He practically controls half of Asia with his enterprises."

Meera frowned..

Her mind drifted to the whispers and news articles she'd seen about him. There were always rumors, stories of politicians and police officers who tried to go up against him, only to end up... missing.

Arjun Madhav's influence seemed so powerful that he was untouchable. It was like he held the entire city-and maybe the entire country-in the palm of his hand.

Jiya's voice snapped Meera out of her thoughts.

"Too bad someone so good-looking has to be so terrifying. A lot of girls admire him, even though they know he's dangerous."

Meera opened her mouth to respond, but then the Dean entered the room, silencing the buzz of the students.

"May I have your attention." the Dean's voice echoed through the microphone, commanding focus. The hall stilled as every eye turned to him.

"First of all, congratulations to each of you. Making it to your third year in this prestigious institution is no small feat. You've worked hard, and now, it's time to apply those skills beyond these walls. This project will be a pivotal experience, preparing you for the real world of business and innovation."

A ripple of applause moved through the hall, and Meera felt a sense of pride. They'd all come so far.

The Dean continued, his tone more serious now.

"Now, I need to address the specifics of this project. In the past, each group worked directly within their assigned companies. However, this year, we've made adjustments to avoid distractions and maintain the school's reputation. Only one leader from each group will directly interact with the companies, while the rest of the team will work closely from here, gathering information and strategizing."

Meera and Jiya exchanged glances, surprised by the new rules.

"The team leader's performance in academics will determine the company to which each group is assigned. I urge all of you to remember-professionalism is paramount. Any personal questions are strictly prohibited, and all interactions must remain within the bounds of business and industry-related topics. These interviews will be conducted for a period of one month."

The murmurs between students grew, many surprised by how structured the project had become this year.

"Wow, they're really strict about this." Jiya whispered, shaking her head. "And only one person from each group will represent us? I didn't see that coming."

Meera nodded, feeling the weight of the changes.

Just as she was about to respond, the Dean's voice rang out again. "And now, I'll call out the team lists. You may check the school's announcement chat for your assigned companies."

Meera held her breath, her heart thudding as she crossed her fingers. "Please, let us be on the same team." she whispered, sending a quick prayer up.

Jiya, beside her, crossed her fingers too, looking hopeful. Just then, Professor Tiwari entered, carrying a sheet of paper with the list of names. She handed it to the Dean, who cleared his throat.

"Here we go." Meera whispered to herself, preparing for whatever fate had in store for her.

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Meera stood in the corridor, her fingers clenching the edge of her top, a silent gesture that betrayed her turbulent emotions.

Anxiety bubbled inside her, a mixture of fear and helplessness she struggled to contain.

She glanced up, just in time to see Jiya hurrying toward her, her friend's face filled with concern.

"Meera, it's going to be okay." Jiya said softly, trying to soothe her.

But Meera's voice wavered as she replied, "No, Jiya, it's not..." Her words came out almost in a whisper, her throat tight with emotion.

Jiya placed a gentle hand on her friend's arm. "Meera, I know this is hard for you. But maybe if we speak to Mr. Kapoor, he can... make an adjustment?" she suggested, her tone hopeful. Jiya knew that Meera's distress had to do with the group assignment.

But she also knew that convincing Mr. Kapoor would be a long shot. Still, she wanted to try, for Meera's sake.

She was assigned as a team leader, and her destination was A.M Empire.

Even Jiya, who was excited to be a leader of her own team, looked troubled when she noticed the name of Meera's assigned company.

At first, Meera had been thrilled at the idea of leading her team.

But her excitement evaporated the moment she saw the name A.M Empire-a company infamous not only for its success but for the shadowy figure that ran it.

Meera's voice shook as she looked at Jiya. "A-Are you sure Mr. Kapoor could help? I mean... would he even be willing to switch my assignment?"

"Of course! You're a team leader, Meera. If you don't feel comfortable with your company, speaking up is the best option." Jiya said with an encouraging smile, trying to reassure her friend, even if she wasn't entirely sure of the Dean's response.

With newfound determination, the two friends headed toward Mr. Kapoor's office, Meera's steps slow and tentative.

At the door, Jiya squeezed her shoulder, offering a final bit of encouragement. "I'll be right here waiting for you." she said, settling onto one of the chairs outside his office.

Taking a steadying breath, Meera knocked gently on the door. A gruff voice responded from within, "Come in."

Clutching her only hope for a change, she pushed open the door, her gaze meeting Mr. Kapoor's curious expression as she entered.

"Miss Meera, is there something you need?" he asked, glancing up from his desk.

"I... I'm having some trouble with the company I've been assigned to." Meera admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped forward and closed the door behind her.

"Trouble?" Mr. Kapoor raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You've been selected as a team leader-shouldn't that be a good thing?"

"Yes, sir." Meera stammered, her fingers twisting together anxiously. "It's not that... it's the company. I... I got assigned to A.M Empire."

Mr. Kapoor's expression remained impassive, and he nodded, as if waiting for her to continue. "Yes, A.M Empire. It's one of the most reputable companies in the country, Miss Meera. You should consider it an opportunity."

Meera swallowed hard. "I... I was hoping... Is there a chance I could be assigned to another company? I... I just don't feel comfortable with this one." she said, her voice soft and uncertain.

For a moment, Mr. Kapoor simply looked at her, his gaze searching. Finally, he sighed.

"Miss Meera, the companies have been carefully selected based on academic performance, and you're one of the top students in your year. A.M Empire is one of the best options for someone of your caliber. Why would you want to give up such an opportunity?"

Meera hesitated, casting her gaze down as she replied, almost to herself, "It's... Arjun Madhav."

The name alone brought a flicker of realization to Mr. Kapoor's face. He gave her a small, understanding smile.

"Ah. I see. But Miss Meera.." he said, rising from his chair and stepping toward her, "did you happen to read the project guidelines that were distributed in your department?"

Meera looked up, caught off guard. She hadn't. The shock of her assignment had consumed her so completely that she hadn't bothered with the paperwork.

Sighing, Mr. Kapoor rummaged through his desk, retrieving a printed sheet. He held it out to her, his expression softening.

"Perhaps reading this would have spared you some distress." he said. "Here, take a look."

Accepting the paper, Meera glanced up at him, slightly puzzled. "Thank you, sir." she murmured, before he gestured her toward the door.

"Miss Meera, rest assured, Arjun Madhav is not the person you'll be meeting. The one designated for your project is Mr. Siddhartha Madhav, his younger brother. The arrangement is final, and I advise you to take this opportunity seriously. You might find it more rewarding than you expect." Mr. Kapoor added with an encouraging smile.