At Skand's New Home – Patliputra
Narrator:
In the past six months, Skand's business had flourished beyond expectations. With rising fame and profits, he had purchased a grand haveli near the main market — a strategic location, unlike his former home near the capital outskirts, far from the king's palace and commercial hub.
The new mansion echoed elegance — marbled floors, sandalwood scent in the air, and golden carvings around every arch.
Skand, dressed in a regal orange and white outfit, adorned with golden bangles on his wrists and a delicate gold hairband on his forehead, walked through the corridors. His aura spoke of quiet power — not born from privilege, but earned.
He was looking for someone.
Skand (thinking):He's here again... just like every day since Malvi left Patliputra. Still stuck in the same loop.
He spotted Gaurav seated in the garden, lost in thought.
Skand (teasing softly):"Still thinking about her, brother?"
Gaurav (half-smiling, a trace of sadness):"I don't love her anymore… but I can't help worrying about her. After all, we were once close."
Skand (reassuringly):"Wherever she is, I'm sure she's okay. You've done your part — let the past be the past."
Before they could say more, Skand's uncle Utkarsh came rushing in.
Utkarsh (anxious):"You two! You're not ready yet? They could arrive any minute!"
Skand and Gaurav exchanged a look and followed him without further questions.
A Little Later – Meeting the Guest
Utkarsh returned with a tall, sharply dressed man — his presence alone was intimidating. Siyanam, the trusted aide of Setthi Dhanapala — the wealthiest merchant in the Mauryan Empire.
Siyanam (politely):"Utkarsh, your rise is... impressive. In just seven months, you've carved a name in this empire."
Utkarsh (smiling humbly):"You flatter me. It would be our honor to work with a legend like Setthi Dhanapala."
Siyanam (suddenly cold):"Who said anything about working with you?"
Utkarsh (confused):"But… I was told you came here to discuss a partnership?"
Siyanam (mocking smirk):"We came to deliver a message. From now on, 70% of your profits belong to us. Also, hand over the recipes of your products."
Utkarsh (shocked):"This is… extortion! We'll report this to the guilds!"
Siyanam (laughing):"Go ahead. We'll simply say you're interfering in our business. We've already filed similar products under our name. You'll be painted as a copycat harassing us."
He stepped closer.
Siyanam (menacing):"Right now, you keep 30% of the profits. Refuse us… and soon, you'll have nothing."
And with that, Siyanam turned and walked out, leaving a heavy silence behind.
Utkarsh, overwhelmed by fear and pressure, collapsed on the spot.
Skand (rushing to him):"Chacha! Wake up!"He cradled his uncle's head, trying to bring him back to consciousness.
Skand (thinking, his eyes burning):Men like him… who think they own others… who use fear to control — they are the true enemies. And you, Setthi Dhanapala, you've just made the biggest mistake of your life.
TO BE CONTINUED…