Calculations of Power
Date: August 8, 2009 – 11:45 PM
Location: Aritra's Study, Jadavpur
The low hum of his desktop monitor was the only sound in the dimly lit study. The glow from the screen cast sharp shadows across Aritra's face, highlighting the calm intensity in his expression.
Numbers danced before his eyes—billions in revenue, millions in expenses, thousands of decisions yet to be made.
Aritra rested his elbow on the desk, fingers lightly tapping against his chin. The empire he was constructing wasn't built on blind ambition—it was built on cold calculations, perfect execution, and absolute control.
LUMEN's artificial voice broke the silence.
"Financial summary updated. Would you like a detailed breakdown?"
Aritra's dark eyes didn't waver from the screen.
"No shortcuts."
"Understood. Displaying full financial status."
Numbers flooded the screen. Cash flow, real estate holdings, technological investments, stock market gains. A lifetime ago, these figures would have been the dream of a desperate man clawing his way up from nothing.
Now?
They were merely tools in his hands.
Financial Overview – August 2009
💰 Total Revenue Earned So Far: $31.5 billion
Nova One Sales: $23.5 billion
Stock Market Profits (Future & Options Trading): $8 billion
💸 Expenses & Deductions
Corporate Tax Paid: $360 million
Employee Salaries (10 months): $500 million
Marketing & Advertising (Nova One Launch & Brand Expansion): $1 billion
Satellite-Based 5G Systems (Two Units): $400 million
Semiconductor Equipment (EUV Lithography, AI Wafer Inspection, Ion Implanter): $87 million
ISRO Satellite Launch Contract: $120 million
Land Purchases:Baruipur Factory Land: $200,000
Salt Lake Headquarters: $300,000
Newtown Industrial Land (400 acres): $50 million
Construction & Infrastructure Expansion:Headquarters & Research Facilities: $900 million
Newtown Manufacturing Complex (Phase 1 of Smart Factory): $300 million
📌 Cash on Hand After Deductions: $14.64 billion
Projected Future Expenses (Next 6 Months – August 2009 to February 2010
)Phase 2 of Nova Smart Factory: $2.5 billion
Cyber-Intelligence & Covert Operations: $1.2 billion
Advanced R&D (AI & Quantum Computing, Semiconductor Research): $2.5 billion
Additional Satellite Launches: $1.5 billion
💰 Estimated Remaining Cash by February 2010: $7.9 billion
Aritra leaned back in his chair, absorbing the numbers. Even with this level of spending, his financial reserves remained solid. Omnilink's launch would be the game-changer—once the satellite network was operational, his revenue streams would shift from hardware sales to an endless subscription model.
For now, he would spend aggressively.
Because what he was building wasn't a business.
It was an empire.
And empires were built on control.
June 10, 2009 – The ISRO DealISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru(Past Event)
The conference room was sterile and professional, yet the tension in the air was unmistakable. Across the long polished table sat Dr. Anil Mehta, the man who controlled India's satellite launch capabilities.
Aritra studied him carefully. A man of science, not politics. A realist, not a dreamer.
Perfect.
"I've read your proposal," Dr. Mehta said, his sharp gaze assessing. "Let's hear what you have in mind."
Aritra's tone was steady. "My company is expanding into global telecommunications. We've developed a 5G satellite network, and we need two satellites launched into geostationary orbit within the next six months."
Dr. Neha Reddy, an aerospace specialist, frowned slightly. "Your proposal mentioned nuclear microcore technology. That's extremely advanced. Are these satellites manufactured locally?"
Aritra didn't hesitate. "Our R&D team designed the components, and manufacturing is being set up in Salt Lake, Kolkata. These satellites will provide continuous global 5G coverage for up to 1 billion users each."
Dr. Mehta steepled his fingers. "And your budget?"
Aritra leaned forward slightly. "We're prepared to pay $120 million per launch."
A brief silence. Then, Prakash Verma, ISRO's finance head, finally spoke. "That's generous. But your satellites require custom integration work. We'll need payload clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications."
Ishita, seated beside Aritra, smoothly interjected, "We will handle the government regulatory process on our end."
Dr. Mehta considered for a long moment before nodding. "First launch in November 2009. Second in March 2010."
Aritra extended his hand.
Dr. Mehta shook it.
"Let's make history," he said.
Aritra smiled slightly.
It was already happening.
August 8, 2009 – 2:30 AM – Jadavpur
The city was asleep. The occasional murmur of a distant truck, the flickering glow of a lone streetlamp—reminders of a world oblivious to the man building its future.
Aritra leaned against the balcony railing, staring at the silent streets below. His mind, however, was still in motion.
No one knew the full extent of what he was planning.
Not the market analysts trying to predict Nova's next move.
Not the politicians still underestimating his reach.
Not even his father.
Behind him, the soft sound of bare feet against the cold marble floor.
Katherine.
She had woken up.
He didn't turn around, but he felt her presence before he heard her voice.
"You weren't in bed," she murmured softly.
Before he could reply, her arms wrapped around him from behind.
Warm. Unexpected.
For a moment, he didn't react.
Katherine's voice was barely above a whisper. "You're always working… always thinking. Do you ever stop?"
Aritra closed his eyes briefly.
No.
Because men like him didn't stop.
But when he opened them again, he didn't push her away.
Her fingers tightened slightly around his shirt. "Just for a moment… let me believe you're just a normal person, standing under the stars with me."
Aritra exhaled.
He wasn't normal.
But for tonight, maybe he could pretend.
The world could wait.