May 16–May 31, 2016
"The Offer They Couldn't Understand"
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Opening Scene – Delhi, May 16
The MC sat in the back of a black SUV as it rolled through Delhi's diplomatic enclave. The windows were tinted, the AC whispering cool air against the humid night.
He wasn't here as himself. Instead, seated beside him was Arjun Rao — his android double, wearing a charcoal suit, his synthetic skin flawless under streetlights.
They were on their way to a discreet meeting arranged through "business intermediaries." The Americans had been circling Bharat InfraWorks like vultures, and tonight, they were finally making their move.
The MC would remain invisible, feeding lines to Arjun through a hidden earpiece.
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POV – Robert Klein (US Lobbyist)
Robert Klein, the same man who'd been suspicious of India's semiconductor imports, adjusted his tie nervously in the plush conference room of a Delhi hotel.
He was accompanied by two others: Sarah Morgan, an executive from Intel's Asia Division, and David Park, a Korean-American consultant linked to Samsung.
The message they carried was simple: If Bharat InfraWorks really has something valuable, America wants in. If not… they'd crush him.
Klein muttered under his breath:
> "Indians are pragmatic. Flash some billions, and they'll roll over."
Sarah gave him a sharp look.
> "Don't underestimate. This one's been moving too quietly. Billionaires like that aren't amateurs."
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The Entrance
The door opened. Arjun Rao walked in with measured calm. His handshake was firm, his voice modulated to carry weight.
> "Good evening. I understand you wanted to discuss collaboration."
Klein immediately launched in.
> "Collaboration, yes. Let me be blunt. Intel and our partners are interested in taking a minority stake in Bharat InfraWorks. Say, 40%. That would bring you billions in capital, access to global markets, and a seat at the real table."
Arjun's synthetic eyes blinked slowly.
> "Forty percent is not minority. That is control."
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Hidden Dialogue
In his earpiece, the MC whispered from the hidden van outside:
> "Push them. See what they reveal."
Arjun tilted his head slightly.
> "What makes you think we need your capital?"
Sarah leaned forward, voice calm but sharp.
> "Because infrastructure is expensive. And because, frankly, we know you've acquired machinery far beyond India's normal capacity. Sooner or later, your numbers won't add up. Sooner or later, you'll need the West."
The MC smirked silently in the van. They're fishing.
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Rising Tension
Klein placed a glossy folder on the table — inside, mock contracts, projected valuations, a number written in bold ink: $12.5 billion USD.
> "Take this deal. You'll be the richest man in India overnight. Refuse, and… well, it would be a shame if international financing dried up for your projects. You know how these things work."
Arjun stared at the folder without touching it.
Inside the van, the MC's fingers tightened on the armrest. Threats — already.
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POV – Sarah Morgan
Sarah studied Arjun carefully. Something about him unsettled her. His face was perfect, too perfect, like an actor always under stage light. His handshake earlier had been firm but oddly… cold.
She found herself wondering: Who is this man, really?
She cut in before Klein blundered further.
> "We're not enemies here. We just want a piece of the future you're clearly building. Surely, India cannot hope to fight the semiconductor war alone."
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The Rejection
Arjun finally spoke, voice level.
> "Let me clarify. Bharat InfraWorks is not for sale. Not forty percent. Not ten percent. Not one percent."
Klein scoffed.
> "Every company has a price."
Arjun's eyes narrowed — a programmed flicker of irritation perfectly timed with the MC's whisper in his ear.
> "Not this one."
He pushed the folder gently back across the table.
> "We build for India. That is all you need to know."
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Subtle Threats
The atmosphere shifted. Klein leaned back, crossing his arms.
> "You're making a mistake. Without US approval, no serious tech company survives. We control patents, supply chains, export rules. If you don't cooperate now, you'll be isolated."
Arjun's smile was faint.
> "Isolated? Perhaps. Or perhaps we will simply build our own chains."
Sarah's eyes narrowed. Arrogant, she thought. But… confident. Too confident.
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Side Scene – Washington Report
May 23, 2016. Washington, D.C.
Robert Klein's report landed on a Commerce Department desk.
> "Bharat InfraWorks refuses partnership. Indian side insists on total independence. Recommend increasing pressure — trade restrictions, visa scrutiny, currency manipulation."
The official reading it sighed.
> "Another one who thinks he can go solo. Let's see how long he lasts."
They still didn't understand — this wasn't another fragile startup. This was something else.
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MC's Reflection
Back at the estate, the MC removed the earpiece and leaned back in his chair, watching as Aarya replayed the entire meeting holographically.
His father entered, carrying a cup of tea.
> "Beta, another long night? These men in suits you meet — they don't look like friends."
The MC smiled faintly.
> "They're not enemies yet, Appa. But soon, they will be."
His father sat beside him.
> "Then promise me something. Whatever war you're preparing for, don't lose yourself in it. Remember this house, your mother's laughter, the orchard outside. Build the future, but don't forget why."
The MC looked out the window at the lantern-lit estate. For a moment, he allowed himself that softness. Then his gaze hardened.
> "I remember, Appa. Always. But I also remember this: no one will ever dictate India's future again."
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Closing Scene
May 31, 2016.
In the underground vault, the rows of wafers gleamed under sterile lights. Thousands now, ready, waiting.
The MC walked among them, his footsteps echoing.
The Americans had tried to buy him. Next, they would try to pressure him. Then sabotage. Then worse.
He touched the glass of one cassette and whispered:
> "Let them come. By the time they realize what we have, it will already be too late."
Above, Aarya's hologram flickered, her voice calm.
> "War is inevitable."
The MC's eyes were steady.
> "So is victory."
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