On the building, Top Floor Riyansh hit the intercom after a bit. "Get Aakash Mital in here, please."
Within minutes, Aakash entered, slightly nervous but composed.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes, Aakash," Riyansh said, gesturing to the seat across from him. "Have a seat."
Aakash sat down, clutching the pen in his pocket like a lifeline.
"I've just reviewed the report on our potential acquisition targets in the jewelry segment. Pankaj says you only helped with formatting. Is that accurate?"
Aakash hesitated, his eyes flicking to the closed door, then back to Riyansh's calm face. "I didn't intend to make this about ego, sir," he began cautiously.
"However, I independently researched and wrote the entire report, including late-night work verifying financials and trends. All drafts were saved for learning, not as proof."
Riyansh studied him for a moment. "And you have those drafts?"
Aakash nodded. "Yes, sir. I can share the timestamped files and working notes. I even have reference sheets with margin notes, written by hand."
"You were brilliant," Riyansh offered, his tone sincere but measured.
"Thank you, sir," Aakash replied. Then, hesitating slightly, he added, "There's something I think you should know. It's about… Manager Pankaj."
Riyansh's expression didn't change, but his gaze sharpened. "Go on."
Aakash exhaled, then stepped closer and placed the notebook on the desk—its pages filled with scribbled calculations, timestamps, and diagrams.
"I didn't plan to say anything at first. I thought maybe this was a one-time issue.
But… one of the senior interns—Ritvik—pulled me aside one days ago. He said Pankaj has been doing this for months."
Riyansh leaned back slightly, arms crossed, listening without interrupting.
Aakash continued, voice calm but firm. "He delegates important work to juniors, then rewrites the cover sheet with his name and submits it. When things go right, he takes the credit. When something goes wrong, the blame is already pre-positioned."
"Ritvik said he watched three interns quit last quarter—burned out, demotivated. But none of them escalated it. They were scared. You know how it is for freshers. You want to keep your job. You don't make noise."
Riyansh tapped his index finger slowly on the desk, processing.
"And you're sure about this?"
Aakash nodded. "Ritvik showe me an older report—a logistics cost optimization analysis. It was his work. But the final PDF submitted had Pankaj's name on it, with only minor tweaks."
There was a long pause.
There was no pride in Akash voice—just truth. Clear, unshaken, and honest.
Riyansh rose from his chair and walked to the window, where the monsoon clouds still hovered, although the rain had paused. He tapped the glass thoughtfully.
He turned back. "Would you be willing to present this report yourself at tomorrow's strategy meeting?"
Aakash blinked. "Me, sir?"
"You wrote it. You understand it better than anyone else here. The room will respect clarity and intelligence—two things you clearly possess."
Aakash nodded slowly. "Yes, sir. I'll be ready."
"Good." Riyansh smiled faintly. "And don't worry about Pankaj. I value truth more than hierarchy."
The next morning dawned with lingering clouds and a soft drizzle, the city still washing away the remnants of the night's rain.
In the Madhavan Group headquarters, tension stirred beneath the surface calm.
Aakash spent the entire night fine-tuning his presentation. His eyes were weary, but his spirit was alight. He was not just preparing slides—he was preparing to defend his name, to claim what he had earned with sleepless effort.
The strategy meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. in the boardroom on the 45th floor. A place reserved for decisions that shaped the future of empires.
As executives filtered in, the atmosphere grew taut with anticipation.
Then came Riyansh—sharp in a charcoal grey suit, his expression unreadable. He took his seat at the head of the table and tapped the mic.
"Before we begin, I'd like to introduce someone," he said. "Aakash Mital, please come forward."
Heads turned. Aakash, in a simple shirt and blazer, stood with the calmness of someone who had nothing to lose but everything to prove.
He walked up, connected his laptop, and began.His presentation was flawless—data-driven, strategically aligned, and forward-looking.
He spoke of emerging consumer patterns, digital transformation in jewelry retail, and how TK Jewelers was uniquely poised for international expansion under the right leadership.
The board expressed clear approval, murmuring amongst themselves. Upon Aakash's conclusion, a senior member inquired, "How long have you been with us, Aakash?" Composed, he replied, "Three days, ma'am." Today is his fourth day.
There was silence—then a light round of applause.
Riyansh stood. "This report is Aakash's work. Every figure, every insight. Let this be a reminder—positions do not determine talent. Truth always finds a way forward."
He looked at Pankaj.
"Effective today, Pankaj will step down from his managerial role. An internal audit will review all his prior submissions."
Pankaj's face paled. He wanted to speak—but couldn't.
"Dismissed," Riyansh said simply.
After the meeting, Aakash was approached by several executives, offering words of praise and encouragement.
As he left the boardroom, Riyansh walked beside him.
"You've got the mind of a strategist," he said.
"Ever thought about working directly with the corporate development team?"
Aakash blinked, stunned. "Sir, that would be an incredible opportunity."
"Prove yourself consistently, and you'll have more than opportunity—you'll have a career worth being proud of."
As they stepped into the elevator, Riyansh added quietly, "My mother always told me—if you ever find someone who reminds you of your own hunger, don't let them get lost in the crowd. I see that hunger in you, Aakash."
After the boardroom success, Aakash is formally invited to join the Corporate Development Team as an Analyst, reporting directly to the Strategic Director.
Riyansh watches how others react to this change—some welcome it, others feel threatened.
Aakash starts seeing office politics up close.
Riyansh gives Aakash his first independent project: conduct a viability study for acquiring a struggling premium diamond chain in City J.
Meanwhile, Pankaj, removed from his position, begins manipulating another junior employee, planting seeds of dissent against Aakash.
Aakash faces silent resistance from mid-level managers who view him as Riyansh's "pet."