Chapter 8: Trapped in a Game

Siara’s Calculated Move

Siara walked into her office, her mind already calculating her next step. Ayesha was waiting, a neatly organized file in hand.

“You asked me to refine the list of potential tie-ups,” Ayesha said, handing the file over. “These are the tech giants that haven’t partnered with Vardhan Industries yet.”

Siara took the file, skimming through it. “Good. Fix a meeting with Siddharth Menon.”

Ayesha raised an eyebrow. “Menon Enterprises? They’re one of the most sought-after tech firms. If we manage to secure them, it’ll be a huge statement.”

Siara nodded. “Exactly. Everyone thinks I’m after tech giants, so let’s keep up the illusion. If we secure Menon Enterprises, it will divert attention from my real goal.”

Ayesha frowned. “Which is…?”

Siara smirked. “Startups.”

Ayesha’s eyes widened slightly. “Why startups?”

Siara leaned back. “Tech giants play on their own terms. They hold the power in negotiations, and no matter how good your company is, they’ll always have the upper hand. Startups, on the other hand, have limitless potential. They don’t just need funding; they need mentorship, protection, and guidance. And if I build my own network of powerful startups, I won’t need to rely on these so-called ‘giants.’”

Ayesha slowly nodded, impressed. “So while everyone thinks you’re chasing the big companies, you’ll secretly be building your own empire.”

Siara’s smirk deepened. “Exactly. But this needs to stay between us.”

Ayesha grinned. “Understood, boss. I’ll schedule the meeting.”

The Meeting with Siddharth Menon

Siara arrived at Menon Enterprises, her confidence unwavering. As she stepped into the boardroom, her expression froze for a fraction of a second.

Ekansh Vardhan was already there.

Dressed in a sharp navy suit, he sat casually at the conference table, smirking as she entered.

“Ms. Rajawat,” he greeted smoothly.

Siara didn’t miss a beat. She walked to her seat, maintaining an air of indifference. “Didn’t know you’d be here, Mr. Vardhan.”

Ekansh chuckled. “Didn’t you? You’re smarter than that.”

Siddharth Menon, an astute businessman in his late forties, watched the interaction with mild amusement. “Seems like I have two of the most ambitious business minds here. Let’s see who makes the better offer.”

The meeting began, and both Siara and Ekansh laid out their proposals.

Siara’s approach focused on innovation and long-term growth. She emphasized how partnering with Menon Enterprises wouldn’t just be a business deal but a strategic move that would place them ahead of their competitors in the evolving market.

Ekansh, however, countered with his effortless charm, offering exclusivity and high-profit margins.

It wasn’t just a business pitch—it was a battle of wits, a tug-of-war of power.

Siara knew they needed this deal. If she secured it, it would provide the perfect cover for her real plan—the startup initiative. On the surface, it would look like she was going all in on tech giants, but behind the scenes, this deal would provide the resources and credibility she needed to establish her own ecosystem of rising startups.

After nearly an hour of intense discussion, Menon leaned back in his chair.

“Well, this is interesting,” he said with a slight smirk. “You both bring compelling points to the table. I’ll take some time to consider my decision.”

Ekansh remained unfazed. “Take your time.”

Siara gave a small nod, though inside, she was slightly frustrated. She hated uncertainty.

As the meeting ended, she turned to leave—only to find Ekansh walking alongside her.

“Didn’t think you’d be here,” she muttered.

Ekansh smirked. “Really? I thought you knew me better than that.”

Before she could retort, the elevator doors opened, and they stepped in.

Inside the Elevator

As soon as the doors shut, the elevator gave a sudden jolt, and the lights flickered.

Siara grabbed the railing instinctively. “What the—”

Ekansh sighed dramatically. “Of course, this had to happen.”

Siara scowled. “This is all your fault.”

Ekansh raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how exactly is this my fault?”

She folded her arms. “Bad vibes. You bring bad vibes.”

He chuckled. “Acha? Toh main elevator mein chadhun ya na chadhun, tum toh phasne wali thi.”

(Oh? So whether I entered the elevator or not, you were going to get stuck anyway.)

Siara rolled her eyes. “Shut up.”

Ekansh leaned casually against the wall. “Claustrophobic, Ms. Rajawat?”

She gave him a dry look. “Hardly. But I don’t enjoy being stuck in enclosed spaces with people I’d rather not see.”

He placed a hand over his heart mockingly. “Ouch. Aur mujhe laga hum dost ban rahe hain.”

(Ouch. And here I thought we were becoming friends.)

Siara scoffed. “Badi galatfehmi hai tumhe.”

(You’re highly mistaken.)

Ekansh smirked. “Vaise, you impressed me today.”

(By the way, you impressed me today.)

She frowned. “With what?”

“The startup plan.” He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “It’s actually smart. Instead of fighting over giants, you’re building your own ecosystem.”

Siara blinked in surprise. “How the hell do you know about that?”

Ekansh smirked. “Ms. Rajawat, aapko kya lagta hai, main sirf deals secure karne me busy rehta hoon? Jo bhi mere against khada hai, uske har move ka mujhe pata hota hai.”

(Ms. Rajawat, do you think I’m only busy securing deals? Anyone who stands against me—I know their every move.)

Siara narrowed her eyes. “Toh? Tum bas jaankari rakhne ke liye jaante ho ya iske against koi move bhi bana rahe ho?”

(So? Do you just gather information, or are you planning a move against it?)

Ekansh hummed thoughtfully, stepping a little closer. “Nahi.”

(No.)

Siara raised an eyebrow. “Matlab?”

Ekansh smirked. “Matlab, mujhe yeh pasand aaya.”

(It means, I liked it.)

Siara stared at him in disbelief. “You… liked my strategy?”

He tilted his head slightly. “Haan. Startups have limitless potential. Giants play on their terms, lekin naye players? They just need the right push.”

Siara sighed. “To tum iske against kuch karoge nahi?”

(So you won’t do anything against it?)

Ekansh chuckled, stepping even closer. “Jab koi rival samjhta hai ke woh jeet raha hai… tab usse todna sabse zyada maza deta hai.”

(The best time to destroy a rival is when they think they are winning.)

Siara clenched her jaw. “You—”

Ekansh smirked. “Kya? Phir se thappad maarogi?”

(What? You’ll slap me again?)

Siara sighed. “I don’t slap without a reason, and you know that. I already apologized—publicly and privately.”

Ekansh shrugged. “Ab baat sirf thappad ki nahi hai. Yeh competition ki hai. Best of luck, Ms. Rajawat.”

(Now it’s not about the slap anymore. It’s about competition. Best of luck, Ms. Rajawat.)

He put on his sunglasses, smirking. “Let’s see how long you can stand me. And do let me know if you need any help with your little but impressive plan.” His tone was sarcastic, but there was something else in it too—something she couldn’t quite place.

Before she could respond, the elevator doors opened, and he walked out with his signature arrogance.

Siara stood frozen for a second before scowling.

“This man is insufferable.”