Chapter 14 : Interview

After breakfast, Advay leaned back in his chair, feeling comfortably full as he took a sip of water. The morning had been calm, a stark contrast to the intensity of the past few days. Just as he was about to get up and head back to his room, Aditi stretched her arms and set her phone down, turning to him with a smirk.

"It's been a while since we went out," she said casually, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Let's go watch a movie."

Advay raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly. "A movie? Now? Didn't you say you had some business project to work on?"

Aditi waved him off as if it were nothing. "That can wait. It's not like I have deadlines breathing down my neck. Besides, you just played the innings of your life yesterday—you deserve a break. And I do too."

Arjun, who had been casually flipping through the newspaper, glanced up at them, an amused smile forming on his face. "Going out, huh? What movie are you planning to watch?"

Aditi grinned, leaning forward on the table. "Something with action, explosions, and a good storyline. No boring stuff."

Ilana, who had been clearing the table, let out a soft chuckle. "At least take the driver with you."

Aditi rolled her eyes playfully. "We'll be fine, Mama. It's just a movie, not an international trip."

Ilana shook her head with a knowing smile, while Arjun smirked. "Just don't get into trouble," he said, his voice carrying a teasing edge.

Advay, who had no objections, shrugged. "Alright, let's go."

Aditi clapped her hands together in excitement. "Perfect! Go get ready; we'll leave in thirty minutes."

As he got up and walked to his room, Advay couldn't help but feel a rare sense of normalcy wash over him. No cricket, no business meetings, no pressure—just a casual movie outing with his sister. It was a welcome break from his usual schedule, a reminder that, despite everything, he was still just a teenager.

Half an hour later, Advay stepped out of his room, dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit—a black T-shirt, a denim jacket, and well-fitted jeans. He wasn't one to put too much effort into dressing up, but even in casual clothes, his striking emerald-green eyes and effortlessly wavy black hair made him stand out.

Aditi was already waiting near the car, dressed in her usual laid-back yet fashionable style—a comfortable hoodie and sneakers. She twirled the car keys in her fingers and smirked as she saw him approaching.

"Took you long enough," she teased.

Advay rolled his eyes slightly. "You were the one who said thirty minutes."

Aditi hopped into the driver's seat while Advay took the passenger side. Their family had multiple cars, but today, they had taken one of their sleek black sedans, a smooth and quiet ride perfect for a casual outing.

As Aditi started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, she grinned. "You trust my driving, right?"

Advay gave her a sideways glance. "Not really."

Aditi laughed. "Oh, come on! I drive better than half the people on the road."

He smirked but said nothing. As they cruised through the streets, the morning sun filtering through the trees, Aditi turned on some music, letting a soft beat fill the car. The roads weren't too crowded, the weather was pleasantly cool, and for once, everything felt relaxed.

"Feels nice to have a day off, huh?" she said, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

Advay nodded, looking out the window. "Yeah, it does."

For a moment, there were no responsibilities, no expectations—just a simple, peaceful drive with his sister.

After watching the movie, Advay and Aditi stepped out of the theater, stretching slightly as they walked into the bright, lively atmosphere of the mall.

"That was a solid movie," Aditi said, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her hoodie. "Great action, good pacing—not a single dull moment."

Advay nodded in agreement. "Yeah, better than I expected. The fight scenes were well done."

As they walked through the mall, Aditi suddenly turned to him with a mischievous grin. "Since we're already here, let's go shopping."

Advay raised an eyebrow. "Shopping? You already have more clothes than you can wear."

"Excuse me?!" Aditi gasped dramatically. "Says the guy who wears the same three colors in rotation—black, navy, and gray. Come on, at least let me find you something different for once."

Advay sighed but followed her anyway as she led the way into a high-end fashion store. The place was lined with racks of stylish outfits, ranging from casual wear to formal suits. Aditi immediately started picking out clothes, holding them up against him with a thoughtful expression.

"This would look good on you." She held up a dark green jacket. "Brings out your eyes."

Advay gave her a flat look. "You sound like Mama."

Aditi laughed. "That's because I have taste. Now, try it on."

He reluctantly took the jacket and went into the fitting room. When he stepped out, Aditi whistled. "See? I told you. Now you actually look like a person who owns a billion-dollar company."

Advay shook his head but ended up buying the jacket, along with a couple of other casual shirts. Aditi, meanwhile, picked up a few dresses for herself, carefully inspecting each one before adding it to her growing pile.

After shopping, they stopped by a small café in the mall, ordering iced coffee and pastries. While waiting, Aditi pulled out her phone and took a selfie of them.

"For memories," she said, flashing a grin. "You never take pictures."

Advay just gave a small smirk as she clicked a few more. "Not my thing."

"Exactly why I have to do it for you."

They spent the rest of the afternoon browsing stores, cracking jokes, and just enjoying a rare, carefree day together.

The next day, Advay woke up early, feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Unlike the usual mornings where he dressed casually for school or training, today required something more formal.

He stood in front of his mirror, buttoning up a tailor-made navy blue suit, its fabric fitting perfectly to his athletic frame. The crisp white shirt underneath contrasted sharply, and his cufflinks gleamed under the soft morning light. He fastened his watch, adjusted his collar, and ran a hand through his naturally wavy black hair, ensuring it was neatly styled.

As he stepped downstairs, Ilana looked up from the breakfast table and smiled. "You look incredibly sharp, my love."

Arjun, sipping his coffee, smirked. "You look like you're about to close a billion-dollar deal, not give an interview."

Aditi leaned back in her chair, twirling her spoon. "You should dress like this more often. Too bad you don't care about fashion."

Advay shook his head with a small smile. "I dress for the occasion."

Arjun set his cup down and gave him a nod. "You'll do great. Just be yourself."

After a quick breakfast, Advay grabbed his coat and walked out to his car. The driver was already waiting, and as he got in, his phone buzzed—a message from his assistant confirming that the interviewers from Forbes had already arrived at his office and were waiting for him.

As the car pulled out of the driveway, Advay leaned back against the seat, mentally preparing himself. Unlike cricket, where he let his bat do the talking, today was about words, presentation, and presence. It was a different kind of challenge, but one he was more than ready for.

As Advay stepped into the grand lobby of his office, the familiar sense of control and authority washed over him. The polished floors reflected the warm lighting, and employees who passed by greeted him with respectful nods. Unlike a typical CEO's arrival, there was no unnecessary fuss—just quiet acknowledgment.

He made his way to his cabin on the top floor, a spacious, beautifully designed room that balanced elegance and comfort. The large floor-to-ceiling windows gave a stunning view of the Bengaluru skyline, while the walls were adorned with carefully placed photographs—some of his family, some of himself at different milestones in his journey, and a few abstract artworks that added personality to the space.

His desk was minimalistic yet sophisticated, holding only what was necessary—a sleek laptop, a few neatly stacked files, and a crystal paperweight gifted by Aditi. The room had a certain warmth, reflecting his grounded nature despite his success.

Just as he was settling in, a soft knock came at the door.

He looked up as the interviewer walked in, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. She was a beautiful woman in her late twenties, with striking features, neatly styled hair, and an air of confidence that matched her professional demeanor. She carried herself with ease, her tailored outfit reflecting the sophistication expected of someone from Forbes.

She extended a hand with a friendly yet professional smile. "Mr. Advay, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Advay stood up, offering a polite handshake. "Likewise. Please, have a seat."

As she settled into the chair across from him, she took a brief glance around the office before turning back to him. "I must say, your cabin is impressive. Personal, yet refined. I like that."

Advay simply gave a small nod. "I believe a workspace should feel comfortable. You get more done that way."

She smiled, setting her notepad on the table. "Well then, shall we begin?"

Advay leaned back slightly, his expression calm and composed. "Go ahead."

And with that, the interview began.

The interviewer smiled, clearly impressed by his mindset. She flipped to the next page in her notepad and leaned forward slightly.

"Let's shift the focus a bit, Mr. Advay. While your success in business is remarkable, I'm curious—tell me about your family. What role have they played in your journey?"

Advay's posture remained relaxed, but there was a slight warmth in his expression as he spoke. "They've been everything. My parents, my sister—they've given me the kind of support most people can only wish for. No matter how busy life gets, home is always where I can just... be myself."

The interviewer nodded, sensing the genuine respect in his tone. "Your father, Mr. Arjun Rai, is the CEO of Rai Groups, one of the largest conglomerates in the country. Many would assume you had everything handed to you, but you built Swiggy independently. Was that a conscious decision?"

Advay nodded. "Yes, absolutely. My father built his company from scratch. I've seen firsthand how hard he works, how disciplined he is. But Swiggy was something I wanted to create on my own. I didn't want to be in his shadow—I wanted to prove to myself that I could build something without relying on Rai Groups."

The interviewer jotted down a few notes, then smiled. "That's admirable. And your mother, Ilana Ivanov—she was a model, correct?"

A small smile played on Advay's lips. "Yes. But to me, she's just Mama. She's the heart of our home—caring, strong, and always encouraging. She's never once doubted me, and that kind of belief... it makes all the difference."

The interviewer softened. "And your sister, Aditi?"

Advay let out a small chuckle. "She's brilliant. Smart, funny, and incredibly driven. She's studying business management, and knowing her, she's going to build something just as big as Rai Groups one day. Maybe even bigger."

The interviewer tapped her pen against the notepad, smiling. "It's rare to see someone so successful remain so grounded. It seems like your family is the reason for that."

Advay nodded. "They are. At the end of the day, success means nothing if you don't have people to share it with."

The interviewer smiled, clearly impressed by his mindset. She flipped to the next page in her notepad and leaned forward slightly.

"Let's shift the focus a bit, Mr. Advay. While your success in business is remarkable, I'm curious—tell me about your family. What role have they played in your journey?"

Advay's posture remained relaxed, but there was a slight warmth in his expression as he spoke. "They've been everything. My parents, my sister—they've given me the kind of support most people can only wish for. No matter how busy life gets, home is always where I can just... be myself."

The interviewer nodded, sensing the genuine respect in his tone. "Your father, Mr. Arjun Rai, is the CEO of Rai Groups, one of the largest conglomerates in the country. Many would assume you had everything handed to you, but you built Swiggy independently. Was that a conscious decision?"

Advay nodded. "Yes, absolutely. My father built his company from scratch. I've seen firsthand how hard he works, how disciplined he is. But Swiggy was something I wanted to create on my own. I didn't want to be in his shadow—I wanted to prove to myself that I could build something without relying on Rai Groups."

The interviewer jotted down a few notes, then smiled. "That's admirable. And your mother, Ilana Ivanov—she was a model, correct?"

A small smile played on Advay's lips. "Yes. But to me, she's just Mama. She's the heart of our home—caring, strong, and always encouraging. She's never once doubted me, and that kind of belief... it makes all the difference."

The interviewer softened. "And your sister, Aditi?"

Advay let out a small chuckle. "She's brilliant. Smart, funny, and incredibly driven. She's studying business management, and knowing her, she's going to build something just as big as Rai Groups one day. Maybe even bigger."

The interviewer tapped her pen against the notepad, smiling. "It's rare to see someone so successful remain so grounded. It seems like your family is the reason for that."

Advay nodded. "They are. At the end of the day, success means nothing if you don't have people to share it with."

The interviewer smiled as she flipped to the next section of her notes. "That brings me to my next question, Mr. Advay. Swiggy has completely changed the food delivery industry in India. Walk me through how you came up with the idea. What sparked it?"

Advay leaned back slightly, his emerald-green eyes thoughtful. "It started as a simple problem. I've always been observant, and one thing I noticed early on was how inconvenient food delivery was. Either the restaurants didn't deliver, or the delivery times were too long, and there was no centralized system to bring everything together efficiently."

The interviewer nodded. "So you saw a gap in the market?"

Advay gave a small smile. "Exactly. But I didn't want to just create another food delivery service. The goal was to build an infrastructure that made the process seamless—where customers could order from anywhere, and restaurants wouldn't have to worry about logistics."

She glanced at her notes. "And this was when you were... 11?"

Advay nodded. "Yes. That's when I started working on the foundation. I spent months researching, understanding supply chain management, logistics, and the core issues that caused delays. The biggest challenge wasn't getting restaurants on board—it was solving the last-mile delivery problem. That's where efficiency is won or lost."

The interviewer's eyebrows lifted slightly. "That's something most adults struggle with, let alone an 11-year-old."

Advay smirked slightly. "Well, I never saw my age as a limitation. I knew that if I had the right plan, I just needed the right execution."

She jotted something down, then looked back at him. "And how did you take it from an idea to an actual company?"

Advay's expression remained calm. "I knew I needed funding to scale, but no one takes an 11-year-old seriously in business. So I did two things—first, I built my own capital by investing early. Second, I pitched the idea to the Rai Groups board, not as my father's son, but as an entrepreneur looking for an investor."

The interviewer leaned forward slightly, fascinated. "That must've been a tough room."

Advay chuckled. "It was. But I knew my numbers, and I knew the market potential. That's when Mr. Vinay, one of the board members, decided to invest in Swiggy. From there, it was all about execution—building the team, developing the app, setting up operations. The first year was the hardest, but once we launched, the results spoke for themselves."

The interviewer nodded, impressed. "And now, just two years later, Swiggy is valued at over six billion dollars. That's an unbelievable trajectory."

Advay simply shrugged. "It was never about the valuation—it was about solving a real problem. The numbers just followed."

She smiled. "You make it sound so simple, but I know it wasn't. Let's talk about the early struggles—what were the biggest challenges you faced in those first months?"

Advay let out a small chuckle, leaning back slightly. "Honestly? Going to school."

The interviewer laughed, clearly not expecting that answer. "That's a first. Most entrepreneurs talk about funding or competition, but you're saying school was the biggest challenge?"

Advay smirked. "Think about it—I was setting up an entire business, handling logistics, working on app development, and at the same time, I still had to attend school, submit assignments, and act like a regular student. Balancing both was exhausting."

She shook her head in amusement. "That does sound overwhelming. How did you manage?"

Advay shrugged. "Discipline. I made a strict schedule. Mornings were for fitness training, school was mandatory, evenings were for cricket, and late nights were for Swiggy. I had to sacrifice sleep, but I had a goal, and I wasn't going to let my age be an excuse."

The interviewer tapped her pen thoughtfully. "That's an insane level of time management for someone so young. Most kids struggle with just school and sports, but you handled all three—business, cricket, and academics. Did you ever feel like it was too much?"

Advay shook his head. "Never. I chose this path. And if you want something bad enough, you find a way to make it work."