Never Give Up

Rudra sat at his desk, staring at the yellowed pages of his ledger. Every rupee he had was accounted for, neatly written in ink, the sum total staring back at him like an unyielding wall. He had tried everything—pitched his ideas to industrialists, met bankers, even spoke to some local businessmen who had shown interest but backed out at the last minute. The rejection was frustrating, but it didn't break him. He had accepted reality: if no one else believed in his vision, he would have to build it himself.

That evening, he counted his savings once again. After multiple calculations, the final number stood at ₹50,000—a decent amount, but nowhere near what was required to establish an empire. He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. It was impossible to buy vast swathes of land or set up a fully functioning factory, but it was enough to take the first step. If he could not begin grandly, he would start small and grow strategically.

The first thing Rudra needed was a place to work. Buying land was out of the question, so he had to find an affordable workshop for rent. After scouting for days, he came across an old facility—previously operated by a British company before they had left India. The workshop had since been acquired by a local merchant, but business had been slow, and it was running at a loss.

"This place needs work," Rudra muttered, walking through the dimly lit corridors. Rusted machinery sat abandoned in the corners, cobwebs draped over them like relics of a forgotten era. Yet, he saw potential.

The merchant, an elderly man named Shivlal, was eager to strike a deal. "I can't keep this place afloat any longer," Shivlal admitted. "If you're willing to take over, I'll let you have it at a reasonable rent."

After some negotiation, Rudra managed to rent the workshop for a modest sum. He now had a base of operations. The next step was assembling a workforce.

Finding skilled labor wasn't as difficult as he expected. The local community had craftsmen and workers who had been employed in similar industries before. Many of them had lost their jobs due to factory closures and economic struggles.

A middle-aged cobbler named Bansilal approached Rudra after hearing about his venture. "Sahab, I've been making shoes since I was a boy," he said, holding up his calloused hands as proof of his experience. "If you need hands, I can bring others as well."

Within a week, Rudra had a small but dedicated team. They weren't many—just ten workers, including Bansilal—but they were experienced, hardworking, and eager for stable employment. It was a start.

For months, Rudra had studied the intricacies of shoemaking. He had gathered research, examined Western designs, and looked into traditional Indian craftsmanship. Now, it was time to put that knowledge into action.

Sitting at his drafting table, he began sketching. His vision was clear—a sophisticated, modern shoe that could appeal to India's emerging upper-class professionals. The result was an elegant Chelsea boot-inspired design, blending contemporary European style with the rugged durability required for Indian conditions. It looked sleek, polished, and unlike anything commonly available in the market.

He named this first series "Battle Crew", a tribute to the resilience of India's soldiers. The model was called "Kaal Battle Crew Shoes", with "Kaal" meaning "time" or "era" in Sanskrit. The name symbolized his vision—timeless, strong, and built to last.

Rudra believed in tradition and auspicious beginnings. He invited local priests to conduct a small puja before the first batch was produced. The workshop, once a dying remnant of the colonial era, was now alive with activity. The rhythmic sound of hammers striking leather, the scent of fresh polish, and the chatter of workers filled the air.

At the end of the ceremony, Rudra held up the first completed shoe. It was placed before the idol of Lord Vishwakarma, the deity of craftsmanship, and gifted as an offering. "May this be the start of something great," he whispered to himself.

The first production run was now complete. But the bigger challenge lay ahead—how to sell them.

Marketing was key. Rudra knew he had no budget for grand advertisements. He needed a way to showcase his shoes to the right audience without spending a fortune.

Then, an idea struck him.

A felicitation ceremony for war veterans of Indo-Sino war will be organized in on Independence day. It was a prestigious event, attended by government officials, businessmen, and military leaders. What better platform to introduce a product named "Battle Crew" than at an event celebrating India's warriors?

Rudra quickly arranged for a limited-edition batch of shoes to be produced. His plan was simple: he would present them as gifts to the honored veterans. It wasn't just a promotional tactic; it was a gesture of respect.

With the last of his funds, Rudra rented a small but elegant storefront in Mumbai. He didn't have the luxury of a grand showroom, but what he lacked in scale, he made up for in presentation. The shop was meticulously designed—polished wooden shelves, warm lighting, and traditional motifs blended with modern aesthetics. It was a store that exuded class, reflecting the essence of the brand.

He worked tirelessly alongside his team, ensuring every detail was perfect. By the time August 15th arrived, everything was in place.

The felicitation ceremony was a grand affair. War veterans, dressed in their finest uniforms, stood tall as they were honored for their service. As the speeches concluded, Rudra stepped forward with his specially crafted "Battle Crew" shoes.

"These shoes," he announced, "are not just a product. They are a tribute—to the strength, endurance, and honor of the warriors who have protected this nation."

The veterans, moved by the gesture, accepted them with gratitude. The event was widely covered by the press, and before the day was over, whispers of "Kāla" had begun to spread among Mumbai's elite.

The next morning, Rudra opened his store for the first time. The launch had worked—several customers arrived, curious about the brand they had heard about at the event. Some came simply to see what the buzz was about, while others left with their first pair of Kaal Battle Crew Shoes.

It wasn't an empire yet, but it was a beginning. Rudra had built something out of nothing, and he knew that from here, the only direction was forward.

As he stood in his small shop, watching the city come alive outside, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time—hope. His journey had just begun, and he was ready for whatever came next.