Midnight Strategies
January 1, 2011
12:45 AM — The Oberoi, Mumbai
The celebration had ended, but Mumbai never truly slept. The echoes of fireworks still lingered in the sky, and the Queen's Necklace shimmered with golden reflections as the Arabian Sea stretched endlessly into the night.
Inside their hotel suite, Katherine lay fast asleep, exhaustion finally catching up with her. After a full day of travel, exploring Mumbai, indulging in street food, and experiencing the New Year's magic, she had dozed off almost the moment her head touched the pillow.
Aritra sat beside her for a moment, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, watching the peaceful rise and fall of her breath. He allowed himself a brief moment of quiet before carefully slipping out of bed.
The real work was about to begin.
He grabbed his phone and sent a single message.
"Ready."
Within seconds, a response came.
"Meet at Trident Business Lounge. 15 minutes."
He put on his usual black T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, throwing on a cap for discretion. Moving silently through the dimly lit hallway, he stepped out of the suite and into the elevator.
---
1:00 AM — Trident Nariman Point, Business Lounge
The Trident Hotel's business lounge was quiet, apart from the low hum of air conditioning and the faint sound of Mumbai's never-ending traffic outside. The private space was dimly lit, designed for discretion, its dark wooden paneling absorbing most sounds.
At the far end of the room, sitting in a deep leather chair, was Chief Minister Aditya Pratap. Unlike his usual public persona, tonight he was dressed informally—a navy-blue kurta with rolled-up sleeves, a glass of black coffee in front of him. His expression was calm but focused.
Aritra walked in, closing the door behind him.
"Apologies for the late meeting," Aditya said, standing up to shake his hand.
Aritra smirked. "I don't sleep much anyway."
Aditya gestured toward the chair opposite him. "Good. Because we have a lot to discuss."
Aritra sat down, his gaze steady. "Let's get to it."
---
1:05 AM — The Core Discussion
Aditya took a sip of his coffee before speaking.
"The opposition is ramping up pressure," he began. "Your hydrogen automotive factory plans have already caused ripples, but it's not just the industry pushing back. The education sector is in panic mode, and they're using every trick in the book to slow us down."
Aritra leaned back, rubbing his fingers together. "The elite institutions?"
Aditya nodded. "They started by offering high salaries to the best government teachers, but since many refused, they've shifted tactics. They're now pushing legal roadblocks—zoning regulations, environmental clearance delays, land allocation red tape."
Aritra chuckled darkly. "Classic move. If they can't win ethically, they'll try to drown us in bureaucracy."
"Exactly," Aditya agreed. "Which is why we need a counter-strategy."
Aritra folded his arms, his eyes sharp with thought. "We need to make this project so transparent that any delay will be seen as corruption. Full public disclosures, live-streamed progress updates, open bidding processes—force them to fight in daylight."
Aditya smiled. "That's exactly why I called this meeting. I want Omni News to cover every step of the factory's development. Every land acquisition, every hiring decision, every contract awarded—it all goes public."
Aritra nodded approvingly. "It'll put massive pressure on anyone trying to sabotage the project. But what about legal hurdles? We can expose corruption, but delays can still kill momentum."
Aditya's expression darkened slightly. "That's where my administration comes in. I have three key bureaucrats in my inner circle who will ensure things move smoothly. But we must move fast. The opposition is waiting for us to fumble."
Aritra tapped the table thoughtfully. "What about Jharkhand? CM Vishal Rao is backing us, but will they be able to handle similar pressure?"
Aditya exhaled slowly. "Jharkhand is different. Vishal is new in office, and his control isn't as firm as mine. The political sharks there will try to divide him. We need to make sure the factory in Bihar moves first—it'll give Jharkhand momentum."
Aritra nodded. "Understood. I'll have my team finalize Bihar's plant location by next week. The first announcement will come from Patna, not Ranchi."
Aditya smiled. "That will give us leverage. Once one state sees success, the other will have no choice but to follow through."
---
1:30 AM — The Opposition's Next Move
Aritra glanced at his phone as another message popped up—an update from Omni News.
"Exclusive Report Tomorrow: Private Education Lobby's Attempt to Block Public School Reforms Exposed."
He smirked. "Looks like my media team is ahead of us. Tomorrow's headlines are already working in our favor."
Aditya's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good. The more pressure we apply, the less room they have to maneuver. But expect them to strike back."
"They'll use the courts next," Aritra predicted. "They'll file public interest litigations against our land acquisitions, claiming environmental violations or improper funding."
Aditya sighed, rubbing his forehead. "We'll handle it legally, but the delays could hurt."
Aritra's mind raced. Then, an idea struck him.
"We preempt them."
Aditya raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"We invite independent watchdog organizations and auditors—before they can accuse us of anything, we voluntarily open our financial records. We hold town halls in both Bihar and Jharkhand, directly addressing the people. The moment the opposition files a case, we counter with full public support."
Aditya's smile returned. "Brilliant. If they attack, they'll look like they're fighting against progress."
Aritra smirked. "And in a country like India, where development is the ultimate political currency, no one wants to be on the wrong side of history."
Aditya chuckled. "You really should have been in politics, Aritra."
Aritra shook his head, laughing. "I prefer building things rather than debating them."
---
1:50 AM — Wrapping Up
As the clock neared 2 AM, the meeting came to a close. Aditya finished the last sip of his coffee, standing up.
"So, the plan is simple," Aritra summarized. "Bihar's factory moves first, transparency is our strongest weapon, and we stay three steps ahead of the opposition."
Aditya nodded. "And you finalize the land deal within the next week."
"Consider it done," Aritra said confidently, shaking his hand.
Aditya clapped his shoulder lightly. "You know, the opposition sees you as a bigger threat than me."
Aritra smirked. "Good. That means I'm doing something right."
---
2:15 AM — The Oberoi, Mumbai
Slipping back into the hotel suite, Aritra moved carefully to avoid waking Katherine. She was still curled up in bed, her breathing slow and steady.
He sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling deeply. The next year would be war—against corruption, against resistance, against old systems refusing to let go.
But as he glanced at Katherine's peaceful face, he reminded himself why he was fighting.
This wasn't just about business or politics. It was about the future.
For India. For the people.
For the life he and Katherine were building together.
With that thought, he lay down beside her, allowing himself a few hours of rest before the fight continued.
And outside, Mumbai remained awake, its lights flickering like quiet whispers of the battles yet to come.