Rising Phoenix

Chapter 12; A peculiar Proposition

Reyansh’s Perspective:

In front of a glass wall overlooking the city skyline stood a person I didn't expect to see. When she noticed my presence in the room, she turned around, giving me her attention.

"That's unprofessional of you, Mr. Rout, to keep a client waiting and be late for a meeting," Aanya stated in a calm voice that exuded authority and confidence.

After composing my surprised state of mind, I replied, "To what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit, Ms. Miller?" I asked, maintaining my cold and professional demeanor.

She took a step closer to me, her expression unwavering. Every time I am in her presence, I can't help but notice her aura demanding attention and respect. Our auras compete for dominance in this room, and I can't help but feel her commanding presence.

"Today I am here for business," she replied in a tone that suggested she meant business and nothing else.

"Oh, I see. What kind of business are we discussing then?" I queried, trying to maintain a neutral tone to match her professional demeanor.

I reached for a seat and gestured for her to take a seat as well.

I relaxed in my seat and gave my undivided attention to Aanya as she began to speak about her visit.

"I was notified that you desperately want land but are facing difficulties in acquiring it," she said, her voice steady and professionally calm.

"Yes," I admitted and nodded to let her continue her line of thought.

"The land you want to acquire is owned by a powerful business executive who is reluctant to sell that land. But that land is of great importance to you, as there was a time when it belonged to your mother. She had built an orphanage called 'Masoom Kadam' (Innocent Steps) for underprivileged children," she said.

I maintained my calm composure, even though my insides were stirring with emotions at the mention of my mother and the orphanage. Aanya's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she studied my reaction and bent forward slightly to emphasize the seriousness of her words.

"But here's the catch. Your mother also owned another orphanage called Sunshine Orphanage, where your right-hand man grew up, if I'm not mistaken. So, what makes Masoom Kadam more important than Sunshine Orphanage?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and maintaining her piercing gaze on me.

"Your mother was an orphan herself, and the answer to the question lies here - why did she choose to build Masoom Kadam instead of supporting the orphanage where your right-hand man grew up? It's because she grew up in that very orphanage, along with her twin sister, and had a deep bond with it. That's why, when she was financially capable, she acquired that orphanage," I sat there in silence, maintaining my calm composure, though I knew how difficult it was. My insides were in turmoil with different emotions.

Aanya crossed her legs and leaned back in her seat, giving me time to process the information. She diverted her gaze and stared intently at her hands, calmly, for a moment before she said, "And that makes it important for her and..." She paused, then looked straight into my eyes and uttered, "You."

"When your parents were encountered by your rivals, they were successful in murdering them. However, you and your sister managed to escape and save your lives. Your rivals acquired all of your properties, including both orphanages, but when they failed to profit from those properties, they sold them off to two different individuals. One bought Sunshine Orphanage, and the other bought Masoom Kadam Orphanage.

"When you regained power, you drove out that family and restored all of your lost property, including Sunshine Orphanage. However, you couldn't claim the other orphanage's property since it was acquired by a powerful personality who refused to give you that specific piece of land. You attempted every legal option available to obtain the land but to no avail. He is a powerful individual, so you didn't use your usual methods."

I stared at her with a straight face, but inside my head, I was overwhelmed with emotions while remaining composed. However, I was more surprised by the accurate information she relayed on such a sensitive and personal matter. The private information she shared about my family and the orphanage is quite unsettling. No one should know that information.

I may have underestimated her powers and insight, but it seems that Aanya is well-informed and connected, which is concerning. The realization that Aanya possesses such detailed and confidential information about my family and the orphanage raises concerns about potential breaches of privacy and security. I need to find out her connections and sources of information.

"If you are truly serious about acquiring that land for your project, then I may propose a proposition to you that could potentially solve your problem," she said, her voice dripping with confidence.

She bent forward slightly, indicating the significance and importance of her proposal.

"I'll get you that land," she confidently declared.

"And I am confident you want something from me in return for this favor," I replied curtly, maintaining a guarded demeanor.

"Indeed, nothing in this world comes for free. I want two favors from you in return for securing that land for you," she replied, her eyes confident and determined.

"Isn't it a bit unequal for me to ask for two favors in return for my one favor of acquiring the land?" I questioned.

"It may seem unequal at first glance," she conceded, "but the nature of favors should be considered in terms of their value and significance. The favor I am asking is not even close to the favor you are getting from me in acquiring that land," she confidently replied, her tone unwavering.

"It will be decided after I hear out your proposal," I replied, trying to assess the situation and determine the potential benefits and risks involved in accepting her proposition.

She got up from her chair, walked towards the glass mirror, and looked at herself, examining her reflection before proceeding.

I turned towards her, trying to assess her body language and looking for any hints of deception or ulterior motives.

"Three mafia groups control the underworld. Those three groups are known for their intricate networks and powerful influence. They have information about every group involved in illegal activities, but along with that, they have information about each other, not completely, as they prefer their operations to remain secretive, but to some extent, they know about each other's activities and territories."

She turned towards me and paused, her eyes locking with mine as if to ensure that I was fully engaged in what she was about to reveal. I didn't like where this was going because the kind of information she was revealing was highly sensitive and not easily obtained.

She continued, "These mafia groups are - the Sniper Mafia, the Dagger Syndicate, and the Cobra Cartel. And you, Mr. Rout, are the leader of the Sniper Mafia," she said, looking straight into my eyes, her confidence unwavering.