Drunk in Infatuation.

rsity is often regarded as a mat

nditions are stringent, making entry

d, the sense of security and p

r being not just exclusive but also

would one day walk through the gates of Elite Col

r gaining admission to such an elite in

tity, a fortress of privilege that seemed far

cademic program or its exclusivity, but the way it immerse

allowing students to engage with leaders in their fields, gain practical e

it molded its students into hi

one of the biggest advantage

rkforce, they dominated it. Companies clamored to hire

their peers, earning the admiration of their collea

Coles-success was almost guaranteed f

across from Meera in the school cafeteria. Meera, engrossed in her cup

her phone screen, typing at a speed that mad

hone screen." Meera teased, though curiosity flicker

era asked, her ton

her gaze shifting away fr

ecked the group

r mind quickly running through the l

ag, she rummaged ar

up chat, her eyes immediately catching the pinned

she realized what

Class presiden

place by next month, has been drawn forward. The School authorities has it on hand that most companies

roup are 6 members including the leader. Names of groups will

an

Ka

eera gasped as her eyes finally s

ing with activity, students r

ject being moved forward, while others

from her, rolled her

I spoke to a few seniors about this interview project. Some of their answe

curiosit

interview, right?" she asked, her tone inno

her voice dropping to

businessmen are just businessmen." She emphasized the wor

crossing her face. "What'

rrying a weight that made

hide behind their businesses to cover up... other activities. Shady activities." She paused, watching Meera's reaction. "And there's one

an the one run by Arjun Madhav?" Her voice quivered

er expression mirrorin

He's not just a businessman, he's a mafia

t suddenly dry. Arjun Madhav's

uence unmatched, and the stor

A.M. Empire on the list for stude

ya replied, shrugging as i

ave strong connections, and, honestly, they're one of the best companies in the country. That's why they go

the best if a mafia boss is running it?" she

lace made her heart race in fear. The school list wasn't

, taking a nonchala

business world. Their rules are strict, their connections are powerful, and people

t of being associated with Arjun Ma

nted him as ruthless, a man who stop

that even the government seemed to

M. Empire." Jiya added, her tone almost casua

rt pounding in her chest, an

e on the list for A.M. Empir

nt a shiver down her spine. It wasn't just an

rows, trying to re

g in this project. The chances of me getting chosen for A.M. Empi

attempting to calm the p

re herself. But the unease in her stomach remaine

e herself. But no matter how many times she said it, the fear of

ing the tense silence that had settled between them.

e new job? Yo

ll tangled in the unsettling conversation they'd jus

but fine." she

an eyebrow a

ack on shelves and organizing them could be so ha

laugh, the tension in he

ed. Working at the library was her little side

it was peaceful, and sh

ll the food, I see?" Meera shot back, her tone playful as

es, but she was cl

e mumbled, though a smi

but what made it even funnier was how

foodie, she stayed slim and fit,

ously though, I don't know how you do it. I'd be twi

ood metabolism, I guess. Plus, I burn it

loud of their earlier conversation lifted, repl

15

as soon as she saw her si

from the kitchen, carrying a few dishes in h

d, her eyes scanning the room.

acing the dishes on the dining table with

ppointed, but used to he

ching her mom head ba

er mother instructed over her shoulder, disap

red with her younger sister. As she walked in, the familiar sense of

the new site. That's all for this week, sir." the young man in rimmed glasses

htly, carefully reading ou

midating calmness, the kind that could

nd. His sharp, angular jawline, lightly dusted with stubble, spoke of rugged masculinity,

s Arjun

silence, his expre

tant's spine. The man was a towering presence, with a physique tha

nd discipline. But what truly commanded attention wasn't just his physicality-it w

the most powerful business tycoons in all of Asia. A man who rule

hrough the room like a blade as he moved closer to the large, floo

tightening his throat. "They cancel

ted, his tone darkening, eyes

nt hesitated, sensing the dang

ng lethal. "It's either you cut the deal or

art pounding in his chest. "I-I'll

voice cold. "Now get the

, practically tripping over his own feet as he

ger man strolled in, a mis

hat guy looked like he was about to shit hi

"Why are you here, Siddhartha?"

he desk casually. "I'm here to give you this."

m the window, eyeing the

asked, suspicion

look." he replied, folding his arms beh

lipping through it. His expression soured as

ot surprised by his

u rejected it last yea

even tried to get me to sleep with her." Ar

nd they disciplined the ones from last time. This group will be more professional." He quickly added, "A

simmered like a storm cloud before finally breaking, h

. Controlling it was a constant struggle, bu

uttered through clenched teeth, t

hartha said with a sheepish smi

fists clenching. The tension in the

hands in surrender. "Before you blow up the building, hear

pened, but Siddha

to me, not you. Besides, it's only the group leader that will come here to ask a few questions-one

cing stare lingere

move, and this time, her corpse will be sent back to the school." he

th he'd been holding, watch

me the one even Satan is afraid of." he m

♡

sually, lying on her stomach on the bed

dy desk in the corner, stared

mind clearly somewhere else. Veda noticed the distant

e potential project that involved Arjun Madhav's company. Despite eve

f." Meera sighed, c

m worried about the other students

sympathetically, off

ing you can do about it. Besides, what

ned, her lips par

afia. There's nothing good about that! They kill innocent people

lightly, sha

en't just some street thugs or small-time gangsters. These are real busine

confidently her younger sister spoke about

know all of this?" she a

d a mischie

. I'm not just using my hacking skills

ven further. "Wait...

ting up on the bed, "just don't pray y

ly, shaking her h

You won't get selected. And even if you do, I'll march right up to th

ics easing some of the tension. But deep down,

go as planned? What if

about random things, Veda doing her bes

focus on her work, though the knot i