Chapter 4: First Sparks of War
The following evening, Mumbai's streets glowed with a thousand city lights, neon reflections painting the puddles left behind by the afternoon rain.
Aanya sat on the edge of her cot at the shelter, staring at the single 500-rupee note in her hand. It felt heavier than gold. Her first victory in five years.
But her celebration was short-lived.
[Ding!]
System Alert: Task Progress 12%.
New Task Generated.
Attend the confidential auction at The Oberoi Hotel tonight and secure Item 17.
Reward: Business Strategy +15, Charisma +10, Financial Instinct Skill.
Penalty: Exposure of identity to Rajiv Malhotra.
Her chest tightened. "An auction? In The Oberoi? I don't even have clothes, let alone the invitation."
[Hint: A queen does not wait for a crown to be given. She takes it.
Aanya pressed her lips together. The risk was enormous — if Rajiv's people saw her, she'd be finished. But the reward… Financial Instinct. The ability to sense opportunities and threats. That could be the key to climbing back faster.
She stood, determination burning. "Then I'll do it."
She scoured the shelter for something she could use but found nothing suitable. Her prison clothes would mark her instantly.
Biting her lip, she thought of the one person who might help. Against her pride, she dialed the number scribbled on the pamphlet Arjun had given the shelter caretaker.
It rang only once.
"Aanya?" His calm voice carried through the line.
She swallowed. "Arjun… I need a favor."
A pause. "Where are you?"
Thirty minutes later, Arjun arrived in a modest sedan. He stepped out, wearing a charcoal suit that hugged his tall frame, his presence commanding even in the dim light.
When he saw her shivering in the thin salwar, he frowned slightly. "You didn't tell me it was this bad."
Aanya looked away. "I don't have time for pity. I need clothes. Tonight."
His brows arched. "For what?"
"I have… an event. At The Oberoi."
Suspicion flickered in his eyes. "The Oberoi doesn't let just anyone in."
She lifted her chin, forcing confidence. "Just… trust me."
Something unreadable passed across his face, but he didn't press. Instead, he opened the car door. "Get in."
At a boutique near Marine Drive, Arjun exchanged a few quiet words with the manager. Moments later, an elegant black evening gown was brought out, along with matching heels and a clutch.
Aanya hesitated. "I can't pay for this."
"I didn't ask you to," Arjun replied simply. "Consider it a loan. You can return it later."
Her chest tightened. No man had ever helped her without wanting something in return. She met his gaze, searching for hidden motives. But his eyes were calm, steady, as though he had nothing to prove.
"Thank you," she whispered, the words tasting strange on her tongue.
The Oberoi Hotel sparkled like a palace, its chandeliers dripping with gold light. Guests in designer suits and gowns floated through the grand hall, laughter and clinking glasses filling the air.
Aanya adjusted her gown nervously as she stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She had once commanded such rooms with ease, but tonight… she felt like an imposter.
[Ding!]
Task Update: 2 hours left to secure Item 17.
Warning: Rajiv Malhotra's associates detected on premises.
Her heart skipped. Already?
She scanned the crowd, and her blood ran cold. Across the hall, her cousin Neha stood laughing with a group of businessmen. The same cousin who had testified against her.
"Keep moving," Arjun murmured at her side.
She glanced at him in surprise. "You—?"
He gave a faint smile. "Don't ask how I knew. Just focus."
She took a steadying breath. "Fine. But stay close."
The auction began in a private hall, guarded by staff in black suits. Crystal chandeliers cast glittering light over the polished wood tables.
Aanya and Arjun slipped into the crowd, blending seamlessly. She kept her eyes on the stage as the auctioneer introduced items — rare antiques, paintings, even real estate portfolios.
But when the velvet curtain revealed Item 17 — a sleek black briefcase — the air shifted. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Confidential company shares?" someone whispered.
"Malhotra Global's old international contracts," another said.
Aanya's heart stopped. Those were her parents'!
[Ding!]
Target Confirmed. Item 17: Sealed Contract Dossiers.
Ownership grants leverage in Malhotra Global.
Her fists clenched. Rajiv… you bastard. You're selling what's mine.
The bidding began at 20 lakh rupees.
Aanya's heart sank. She had nothing. No money, no assets.
How can I compete?
[Hint: Not all battles are fought with money. Find another way.]
She scanned the room quickly. Among the bidders sat Minister Sharma — a politician known for shady deals. Beside him, an investment broker whispered eagerly.
Her eyes flicked to Arjun. "Can you create a distraction?"
He raised a brow. "Dangerous."
"Necessary," she said firmly.
For a moment, he studied her, then gave a faint nod. "Five minutes. Make them count."
As the bidding rose to 50 lakh, Arjun subtly moved. A waiter carrying champagne tripped near Minister Sharma, spilling the golden liquid onto his expensive suit.
The minister cursed, standing abruptly. The broker scrambled to help, their attention pulled away.
Aanya seized the moment, slipping toward the side of the stage. She leaned close to the auctioneer during the commotion.
"If those dossiers end up with Sharma, half this room goes down in a corruption scandal. You know it."
The auctioneer froze, eyes widening. "Who are you?"
"Someone who wants to save your neck," she whispered sharply. "Withdraw Item 17 quietly. I'll make sure it finds a safer buyer later."
He hesitated, sweat beading on his brow.
[Ding!]
Persuasion Attempt Detected.
Success Rate: 65%
Charm Aura: Temporarily Boosting…
The man swallowed hard, then nodded subtly.
"Due to unforeseen complications," he announced nervously, "Item 17 will be withdrawn from today's auction. Next item, please."
The crowd murmured in surprise. The minister scowled, still blotting his suit.
Aanya exhaled, relief washing over her.
[Ding!]
Task Completed.
Reward Unlocked: Business Strategy +15, Charisma +10, Financial Instinct Skill.
Host Perception Enhanced.
A sudden clarity burst in her mind — she could now read the subtle shifts of expression, detect hidden motives, and sense the flow of negotiations like currents beneath the surface.
"Nice work," Arjun murmured as they slipped out of the hall unnoticed.
She gave him a small, trembling smile. "Couldn't have done it without you."
Later, under the cool night sky outside the hotel, Aanya finally allowed herself to breathe.
But her relief was short-lived.
Across the street, a black car idled. A shadowy figure sat inside, watching her.
Her blood ran cold as the tinted window rolled down just enough to reveal her uncle Rajiv's smirk.
Arjun noticed the shift in her expression and followed her gaze. His eyes hardened. "You know him?"
Her voice shook with fury. "He's the man who tried to kill me."
Rajiv lifted a glass mockingly in her direction before the car drove away.
[Ding!]
Warning: Primary Enemy has confirmed Host's survival.
Next Phase of War has begun.
Aanya's fists tightened. "So be it."
For the first time in five years, her eyes burned with fire.
The queen wasn't dead.
She was just getting started.