The Cost of Permission

Date: June 12, 2009Time: 9:30 AMLocation: On the Way to Delhi, Rajdhani Express

The rhythmic clatter of steel wheels against the railway tracks filled the first-class cabin of the Rajdhani Express, the train slicing through the Indian countryside at high speed. Sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden table where Aritra sat, a cup of tea in hand. Across from him, Ishita scrolled through a thick folder of documents, her brow furrowed in concentration.

The journey from Kolkata to New Delhi was a long one, but it provided the perfect opportunity to review their strategy before the upcoming meeting with the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Seated beside Ishita was Rajat, who was flipping through his phone, checking updates on Nova One's sales figures. The numbers were still rising, and production had been ramped up to full capacity to meet demand. The entire industry was watching them, waiting for their next move.

But today wasn't about Nova One. Today was about something far bigger—the future of global telecommunications, and the price they'd have to pay to control it.

Aritra took a slow sip of tea before speaking. "What's the profile on the guy we're meeting first?"

Ishita didn't look up as she turned a page. "Ashok Jindal. He's the personal assistant to the Telecommunications Minister, a mid-level bureaucrat who's been around for years. Known for being greedy but not stupid. He won't approve anything unless there's something in it for him."

Rajat scoffed. "So, we're about to get extorted."

Ishita smirked. "That's one way to put it."

Aritra leaned back, eyes on the passing fields outside. "Fifty million dollars, though? That's bold. He hasn't even seen the full proposal yet."

"Because he knows how big this deal is," Ishita said. "We're talking about nationwide 5G infrastructure, satellites, and billions in future revenue. He wants his cut early."

Aritra nodded. Bribes weren't new in Indian bureaucracy, but this was a high-stakes deal. If handled carelessly, it could bring unwanted scrutiny from higher-ups.

The train slowed as they approached New Delhi Railway Station. The skyline of India's capital loomed in the distance, a mixture of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers.

As they stepped onto the platform, a black Mercedes with tinted windows was waiting for them. The driver, a lean man in his forties, nodded as he opened the door. "Mr. Jindal has arranged a meeting at The Oberoi in an hour."

Aritra exchanged a glance with Ishita and Rajat before sliding into the car.

Time: 11:00 AMLocation: The Oberoi, New Delhi

The five-star hotel's lobby was a picture of luxury and power, its marble floors gleaming under the soft golden light. High-ranking officials and corporate executives moved with a quiet confidence, their conversations hushed behind expensive cigars and glasses of imported whiskey.

Aritra, Ishita, and Rajat were led to a private dining room at the back of the hotel, where Ashok Jindal was already waiting. He was a stocky man in his late fifties, dressed in an expensive beige suit, his gold-rimmed glasses perched low on his nose as he scrolled through his phone.

He barely looked up as they entered. "Sit, sit."

They took their seats. A waiter arrived, pouring water into crystal glasses before disappearing soundlessly.

Jindal finally set his phone down, offering a small, calculating smile. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Naskar. Youngest industrialist to shake up the telecom industry. Very impressive."

Aritra gave a polite nod. "I appreciate that."

Jindal steepled his fingers. "Let's not waste time. You're here for nationwide 5G licenses, satellite spectrum allocation, and infrastructure approvals. These things don't come easy."

Aritra matched his gaze. "I understand."

Jindal leaned back, voice smooth. "And you also understand that, for something this big, certain people must be taken care of."

Ishita interjected, her tone crisp. "You're asking for fifty million dollars."

Jindal smiled. "Oh, no. I'm offering to make your problems disappear for fifty million dollars."

Rajat let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "That's a steep price for a signature."

Jindal's smile didn't waver. "You're not just asking for a signature. You're asking for a free pass in an industry controlled by old players. The moment you enter, Reliance, Airtel, Vodafone—they'll all start pulling strings to block you. But with my help, those strings will stay untouched."

Aritra considered this. He wasn't naïve—without political backing, even the best technology could be buried in red tape. But fifty million was absurd.

He folded his hands. "Mr. Jindal, you're assuming we don't have other options."

Jindal's expression darkened slightly. "Oh? And what options would those be?"

Aritra smiled. "International partnerships. If India doesn't want the future of telecommunications, I'm sure Singapore, Dubai, or even the U.S. would be interested in a private 5G network."

Silence.

For the first time, Jindal's smile faded. He knew Aritra wasn't bluffing. If this deal moved overseas, India wouldn't just lose billions in investment—they'd fall behind in the 5G race entirely.

He exhaled, adjusting his glasses. "Fine. Thirty million."

Aritra shook his head. "Ten."

Jindal scoffed. "Be reasonable, Naskar."

Aritra leaned forward, his voice quiet but firm. "Ten million. You'll get it in installments—before, during, and after the approval process. That way, you stay… motivated."

Jindal tapped his fingers against the table, considering. He wasn't happy, but he also wasn't stupid.

After a long pause, he sighed. "Alright. Ten million. But I want the first installment within 48 hours."

Ishita nodded. "You'll have it."

Jindal relaxed, smiling once more. "Good. I'll schedule a meeting with the Telecommunications Minister. He'll want a formal presentation of your project."

Aritra smirked. "That's not a problem."

They stood, shaking hands.

As they exited the hotel, Rajat let out a low laugh. "That was smooth."

Ishita chuckled. "And expensive."

Aritra simply stared ahead, mind already working on the next step.

The minister's meeting would be the real test. And this time, he wouldn't just be negotiating for approvals—he'd be negotiating for power.