Chapter 21: Contingency Alpha
The silence after Aanya's declaration was deafening. The weight of her words hung over the Grand Hyatt ballroom, pressing down like a storm waiting to break. Every director, minister, and mogul leaned forward, waiting to see which side she had chosen.
Her voice was calm, even, but the steel beneath it cut through the air. "I don't need Rajiv's lies or Verma's shadow. Malhotra Global belongs to neither of them. It belongs to me — and to the people who built it with their sweat, loyalty, and faith."
The board erupted. Some murmured in approval, others in outrage.
The system chimed.
[Choice Locked]
Path Selected: Reject Verma.
Effect: Independence +25.
Warning: Board Support Temporarily Weakened.
Verma's Favor -20.
Rajiv's lips twisted in a sneer. "How noble. Unfortunately, nobility doesn't win wars."
Manav Verma chuckled, slow and dangerous. "A brave choice, Aanya. But bravery without allies is suicide."
His eyes lingered on her, dark and unreadable, before he turned and left, his entourage melting into the shadows.
Arjun's hand brushed against hers under the table, grounding her. She didn't look at him, but the warmth steadied the tremor in her chest.
The minister in charge cleared his throat. "A formal vote on Rajiv's future will be held in seventy‑two hours. Until then, no major decisions will be executed. Ms. Malhotra, Mr. Malhotra — this council expects full transparency."
Rajiv leaned back, eyes glinting. "Then let the games begin."
Hours later, back at the safehouse, Aanya's shoulders finally slumped. The weight of the evening pressed against her like chains.
Arjun poured her a glass of water and handed it to her. "You were brilliant."
She gave him a tired smile. "I don't feel brilliant. I feel… like I just painted a target on my back."
The system chimed.
[Main Quest Update]
Phase 2 Progress: 40%
Risk Level: Extreme.
Meera entered, tablet in hand. Her expression was pale, tense. "We have a problem."
She placed the screen on the table. A live feed showed the exterior of the shelter — swarming with unmarked black SUVs. Men in suits were stepping out, some carrying briefcases, others weapons concealed beneath their jackets.
Aanya's blood ran cold. "Who are they?"
"Not Rajiv's men," Meera whispered. "Worse. Government task force. Someone activated Contingency Alpha."
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "Which means?"
Meera's fingers shook as she zoomed in. "An emergency override protocol. If the council believes Malhotra Global is compromised by foreign influence, they can seize all assets under government control until an investigation concludes."
The system chimed.
[Critical Warning!]
Contingency Alpha Triggered.
Effect: Malhotra Global assets frozen for 90 days.
Reputation Impact: Severe.
Danger: Imminent Raid.
Aanya's chest tightened. "They're going to strip everything. My accounts. My board rights. My freedom."
Arjun's eyes locked on hers, steady, fierce. "Then we don't let them."
Within minutes, the shelter erupted in motion. Meera gathered documents, shredding what couldn't be smuggled. Arjun strapped on a discreet holster, slipping a knife inside his jacket.
Aanya moved through the rooms, her mind a storm. Every decision tonight had felt like the right one, yet here they were — surrounded.
The system chimed again.
[Emergency Quest Triggered!]
Escape the Raid.
Objective: Evade capture and secure alternate headquarters.
Time Limit: 30 Minutes.
Failure Consequence: Loss of System Access for 90 Days.
Her pulse spiked. If I lose the system now…
Arjun touched her arm. "We'll make it."
She met his eyes, nodding. "Then let's move."
They slipped out through the basement exit, shadows their only allies. The sound of boots and radios echoed above them as the task force stormed the upper floors.
Meera led them through the alleyways, her fingers flying across her tablet. "I've jammed their trackers, but we've got maybe ten minutes before they recalibrate."
They reached the street. A black car waited, engine running. The driver, a lean man in his forties, lowered the window.
"Miss Malhotra. Mr. Mehra." His accent was crisp, his suit immaculate. "Mr. Verma sends his regards."
Aanya froze.
Arjun's hand instantly went to her wrist, pulling her back. "Trap."
The man smiled faintly. "Or salvation. You decide."
The system chimed.
[Branch Choice Available]
Option A: Accept Verma's Help — Immediate Extraction Guaranteed.
Option B: Refuse Verma — Risk High but Retain Independence.
Aanya's mind raced. The sound of sirens grew closer. Shadows moved at the end of the street.
Arjun's voice was low, urgent. "Aanya. Whatever you choose, I'm with you."
She exhaled slowly. The lioness stood at the crossroads once more.
"Drive," she ordered.
The car tore through the Mumbai streets, weaving through traffic under the cover of night. The driver was unnervingly calm, every turn precise, as if the city itself had bent to his will.
Aanya sat rigid, every muscle taut. Arjun's hand rested near hers, not touching, but close enough to remind her she wasn't alone.
Finally, the car pulled into an underground garage beneath a luxury high‑rise. The driver stepped out, opening the door with a courteous bow.
"Welcome, Miss Malhotra. Mr. Verma awaits you."
The system chimed.
[Quest Progress Updated]
Escape Successful.
New Location Unlocked: Verma's Penthouse Safehouse.
Arjun's jaw tightened. "So it begins."
As they stepped out, the elevator doors opened with a soft chime. Manav Verma stood there, smiling like the devil himself.
"Quite a night, wasn't it?" he said smoothly. "And it's only just begun."