Chapter 1
Location - Headquarters of Mahajan Group , Mumbai
Author’s POV
Outside, the morning sun casted its golden glow, bathing the city in warmth. Birds were chirping melodiously, their sweet trills filling the air as a gentle breeze rustled through the trees.
But step inside the Mahajan Group’s Headquarters, and the scene transformed.
The calm was shattered by the hum of frantic activity. Phones ringing continuously, papers shuffled and the stressed murmurs filled the air.
Employees scurried about, their faces were etched with worry.
At this crucial time, doors swung open and Yashaswini Mahajan stepped forth in all her glory.
Her tailored navy suit accentuating her slender frame. Her chocolate - brown hair cascaded a little lower from her shoulders. Its silky strands perfectly in shape.
Yashaswini’s expression was serene, without a hint of worry. Her full lips curved into a subtle smile, putting those around her at ease.
Her walk was exuding a confident aura. As she glided through the office, employees parted, their heads bowing in unison.
The soft rustle of papers and muted hum of conversation ceased, replaced by an awed hush.
As Yashaswini continued, her secretary, Narayan Mishra, followed closely.
His discreet presence a testament to his years of devoted service.
Together, they stepped into the exclusive elevator, its access restricted to only two individuals :
Yashaswini herself and her father, Abhimanyu Mahajan, the company’s former CEO and current Chairman.
Mishra pressed the button for the 53rd floor, where Yashaswini’s office commanded a majestic view of the city.
They both were waiting for the elevator to reach its destination.
In the meantime, Mishra stepped forth and informed her, “Madam, Mr. Patel from Green Earth has been waiting for you in your office.”
Yashaswini showed her acknowledgement to the provided information with a curt nod.
At that moment, the elevator doors slid open with a soft screech, revealing the sleek, modern corridor of the executive floor.
Mr. Patel was already seated in the chair. As the doors opened, he turned around hearing the soft click of the heels announcing Yashaswini’s arrival.
Upon seeing her, he stood up and both exchanged firm handshakes.
Yashaswini had a warm and welcoming smile while greeting him, ” Good morning, Mr. Patel. I apologize for being late. ”
Mr. Patel reciprocated with a smile and said, ” Not at all Yashaswini, there is no need to apologize. I just arrived myself.”
" Please have a seat “, Yashaswini offered, gesturing to the chair opposite to her desk.
After settling down, Mr. Patel cleared his throat and said, ” Yashaswini, I wanted to discuss the deal -. ”
" Yes about that, ” Yashaswini cut him off, ” Mishra ji has already briefed me. May I inquire as to why you are choosing to terminate the contract? ” ,
she asked with curiosity etched on her face.
He replied, ” The deal was reevaluated by my team and it was found that the terms.... are unfavorable to my company. The contract seems to favor your company disproportionately. ”
Yashaswini’s eyebrows arched, and surprise flickered across her features.
" But when we reviewed the terms together, you expressed no reservation?”
Her voice measured, but a hint of tension was evident in her words.
His eyes darted briefly to the window before refocusing, ” Our risk assessment team identified potential liabilities and financial exposure that were not immediately apparent. We cannot proceed with the agreement as it stands.”
Yashaswini’s gaze narrowed. She chuckled, ” Come on, Mr. Patel, you have been doing business with our company since my father’s tenure as CEO. Don’t you think it is quite unprofessional to abruptly cancel our deal? ”
His anxiety was palpable as he shifted in his seat.
But he hid his nervous and replied curtly, "Your father provided terms that were mutually beneficial. Those terms no longer exist."
His eyes locked onto Yashaswini’s and something flickered in his eyes which she hated to her core - ‘DEFIANCE’.
He continued, ” Now under your leadership, I don’t think it is the same anymore. So, I simply don’t care. ”
Her expression turned unreadable, ” Is that so? I was not aware our partnership has deteriorated to such an extent “......
She paused, ” And now, I am sure, You must have found another company offering a better deal. ”
" Yes. Green Earth’s interests must come first. I have negotiated a more favorable agreement with Omni Corp. Their terms align better with our goals ” , he replied proudly.
Yashaswini stated with hurt evident in her tone, ” I am very disappointed in you. You not only cancelled our deal, but even chose the rival company of Mahajan group. ”
As Mr. Patel savored the moment, sensing a triumph over Yashaswini. He lowered his gaze and a subtle smile spread across his face.
However, his little victory moment was disrupted when Yashaswini sighed and questioned him, “Are you sure, they are only offering a more favorable deal, rather than something else. ”
Mr. Patel’s eyebrows arched upward, and asked, ” What are you trying to say? ”
She continued, ” You see, I took the liberty of digging into your personal life and found something really exciting. ”
His perplexed expression only deepened. Sensing his confusion, she reached for the nearby drawer and retrieved a couple of photographs.
As she placed them in front of him, Mr. Patel’s expression changed - from confusing to a horrified one. Those were the photographs of him and the secretary of the boss of Omni Corp in a compromising position.
His eyes were almost bulging out. ” How d-di-.... “, he stuttered.
She cut him off, ” What happened, Mr. Patel? You were blabbering a lot just moments ago, and now you are not able to say even a word”, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Yashaswini’s laughter filled the air as she continued, ” Are you perhaps wondering how I got these photographs?
Well, for that, allow me to express my gratitude to Mishra ji. He is the one who handled this matter and gathered the evidence.
I just have to give an order and he does the job perfectly. Don’t you, Mishra ji? ”
Mr. Patel’s eyes followed Yashaswini’s gaze which shifted to Mishra.
He was startled to realize that Mishra had been standing silently by the side throughout the conversation.
Just then, Mishra replied, ” You flatter me, Madam. ” , ending Mr. Patel’s staring. Hearing the reply, Yashaswini only smiled.
She said, gaining Mr. Patel’s attention, ” I am wondering.....what would happen if I leak these photographs to the media. ”
Her pause deliberate to deepen the tension more.
Giving her no time to continue, he started pleading, ” Please, don’t do this. It would destroy my professional reputation.”
Yashaswini released a dark chuckle, ” I am just speculating , Mr. Patel. ”
It was now clear as to who held the reins and in-charge of directing the conversation.
Mr. Patel was clearly taken aback by change in Yashaswini’s demeanor. She seemed to be taking pleasure in his misery.
He hurriedly asked, ” Please, tell me what I have to do? ”
She said, not giving him much attention, ” It’s quite simple. You don’t have to do anything. Let everything remain like the same before. Pretend like neither you threw a tantrum of cancelling our deal nor i blackmailed you with these photographs. ”
He nodded vigorously, ” Yes, Yes. I agree. Our deal will remain intact, and I will cancel my negotiation with the other company. ”
Yashaswini smiled, amused by his desperation to save his ‘so-called image’, ” Very well. You may take leave. If there is anything you want to say....., ”
He interrupted, ” Yes, thank you for giving me another chance. I will not bother you anymore.”
He got up from the chair and was about to open the door when Yashaswini called out to him, halting his steps.
" Oh, I forgot to mention, I have already sent these photographs to your wife. Sorry. ” She apologized as if she really meant it.
His eyes widened in shock and he took a step back, ” But you promised, you wouldn’t leak these photographs if I agreed to your terms.
Yashaswini’s expression turned sarcastic witnessing tears in his eyes, ” Save these tears for your wife. Maybe these will work on her.
And regarding the photos, you can’t just expect me to sit idly when an innocent lady is getting cheated upon by her jerk of a husband. You should be glad I only sent them to your wife and not some news outlet. I am such a good person, ain’t I Mr. Patel” , her voice filled with pride and fake concern.
He stood frozen, not able to comprehend anything. Anger clearly visible on his face but he knew he can do nothing to her .
He found himself defeated in front of a newbie in comparison to him.
His inner turmoil was broken by her warning, ” You better move your ass if you don’t your wife to go to your office looking for you."
Listening to this, he practically ran off.
Yashaswini’s expression turned serious as she addressed her secretary, " Mishra ji, it would be better if you don’t bother me with these petty issues and handle them on your own in the future."
Mishra nodded, ” I’ll keep that in mind, Madam. I’ll take my leave then. ” He bowed slightly and exited the office.
As soon as Mishra emerged from the office, he was enveloped by a swarm of employees, bombarding him with questions.
"Did we secure the deal? Mr. Patel is not going to cancel the contract?”
Mishra held up his hand , gesturing for silence.” Yes, we secured the deal . It was just a misunderstanding, but it’s been resolved. ”
The employees exchanged relief glances and one of them spoke up, ” I told you guys not to worry when we have Ms. Yashaswini as our boss.
Another employee nodded in agreement , “Yeah, she’s a genius. She can make anything happen with just a snap of her fingers. ”
Mishra’s expression remained neutral but his thoughts showing a different scenario.
He knew the real Yashaswini , the one behind the mask of charm and authority.
He thought to himself, " Yes. She can do anything to serve her own interests and those of company."
Yashaswini’s POV
I leaned back in my chair, a smirk spreading across my face as i recalled the fear in Patel’s eyes.
I never had any liking for him. The reason why I was tolerating him is my Father.
He was a long standing partner of my dad. Until now.
I can’t believe he wanted to turn down my offer merely to satisfy his desires - THE AUDACITY!
But what could one expect from us - humans ,driven by their primal urges.
" Your terms are not favorable, ” I mimicked his words. Favorable? Ha!
Does he even know the meaning of the word?
Men like Patel are a plague on the business world - unprofessional, arrogant and blind to their limitations.
Did he think I would leave him just like that?
He wasted my precious time. I had to do something to teach him. So I sent his photographs to his wife.
He thought he could intimidate me into backing down. But he didn’t know.
Yashaswini Mahajan never loses.
Never!
