Today marks the fifth anniversary of the incident at Durinia.
On that fateful day, after solving the crisis with Roy and securing the safety of Durinia, he received an extraordinary reward from Vishv Vani—one far beyond anyone's wildest imaginations.
The moment he accepted the reward, an overwhelming flood of information surged into his mind. His brain felt as if it were working at full throttle, striving to process the immense data influx. His body heated up, as though it were on the brink of combustion.
In a desperate bid to save his life, Pushp bypassed all permissions and authority settings, pulling Sam into the sanctuary of Pushp Lok. Submerging Sam's body into a cooling water source, Pushp ensured his nutritional needs were met using the unique capabilities of Pushp Lok.
Thanks to these abilities, Pushp kept Sam alive, albeit in a coma-like state. This condition persisted for five years.
During these five years, the world outside transformed beyond recognition.
___
Location: Principal's Office, Umeed School, Khalpur Village
As she stepped into the principal's office, Anna was immediately struck by the stark contrast between this room and the rest of the charity school. The room exuded an air of opulence and grandeur, an extravagant bubble in an otherwise modest and humble environment.
In the center of the room, a large, ornately carved mahogany desk dominated the space. Its polished surface gleamed under the soft glow of a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The intricate designs on the desk spoke of craftsmanship that belonged to a different era, an era of excess and luxury. Behind the desk, a plush, high-backed leather chair loomed, resembling a throne more than an office chair. Two equally luxurious leather guest chairs with brass nailhead trim faced the desk, inviting visitors to sit in an uncomfortable juxtaposition of comfort and intimidation.
The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, each piece framed in gilded frames that added to the room's elite aura. One painting, an exquisite landscape, drew her eye with its vibrant colors and meticulous detail, clearly the work of a renowned artist. Below, the floor was covered by an exquisite Persian rug, its rich patterns and deep colors a testament to both its quality and cost.
On the desk, gold-plated pen holders, a marble nameplate, and an antique clock sat in pristine arrangement. These items, though functional, were clearly chosen for their aesthetic appeal and extravagant nature. Against one wall, built-in bookshelves made of dark wood were filled with leather-bound books that seemed more for show than use. The shelves also held several expensive-looking trophies and awards, their presence suggesting a focus on prestige rather than practicality.
Anna's gaze shifted to the state-of-the-art computer setup on the desk, complete with multiple monitors. It seemed excessive for basic administrative tasks. A high-end sound system, with speakers discreetly placed around the room, hinted at a preference for luxurious distractions.
Heavy velvet drapes hung over the windows, blocking out the natural light and casting a dim, almost mysterious glow over the room. The drapes' deep burgundy color and thick fabric added to the sense of wealth and indulgence. Strategically placed around the room were large, well-maintained potted plants, their exotic leaves adding a touch of lushness and vibrancy. These plants, Anna knew, required significant upkeep, another nod to the room's extravagance.
The principal's office felt more like the private retreat of a corporate executive or a high-ranking government official than the workspace of a principal of a charity school. The lavish furnishings, expensive decor, and high-end technology seemed an egregious misuse of funds that could have been better spent supporting the students and the school's mission. Anna couldn't help but feel a pang of dismay at the stark disparity, the room's opulence a jarring reminder of the often unseen inequalities that pervade even the most well-meaning institutions.
Anna: Principal Brad, I have received reports of various complaints about the school.
Principal Brad's eyes suddenly narrowed.
Principal Brad (squinting his eyes): What complaints are you talking about, Miss Anna?
As he said this, he slowly leaned back in his chair, his arrogance seeping out.
Principal Brad: Miss Anna, I would hope that you are aware that among the current 370 branches of Umeed School, our Khalpur Branch has been the best performing branch for the last three years since I've been here.
I have elevated this school from a below-average institution to one of today's top schools in the world.
As he finished speaking, he stood up and stared down condescendingly at Anna, his authority and confidence fully on display.
Anna, on the other hand, sat calmly, observing the office with a composed demeanor. She glanced at Brad and, while still seated, said, "Principal Brad, would you mind if I drank that glass of water?" She looked pointedly at the lone glass of water on the table.
The sudden shift in topic and tone caused Brad to lose his momentum. He looked deeply at Anna before gesturing for her to go ahead.
Anna smiled at Brad, uncovered the glass of water, and took a sip. Afterward, she placed the glass back on the table and covered it with the coaster, maintaining a slight smile the entire time.
"Principal Brad, everything you have achieved is marvelous. However, it seems that years of prestige have made you forget who brought you here and what allowed you to achieve what you have today."
As she said this, Anna's smile was replaced with a stern, cold look. It was as if the young, amiable woman had just transformed into a serious, high-ranking executive. The change was so sudden that even Brad had no time to react.
"Mr. Brad, it has been five years since I took over the management of Umeed School."
"Do you know that at that time, this very school where you are currently the principal did not even have a roof of its own?"
"We used to teach kids in the open."
"Back then, this village was in such a bad state that the people living here were worried about their next meal. The conditions were so dire that no one even wanted to come here to teach."
"And in the following year, I transformed this school and village into the best in the vicinity, and that was before Venom Pharmaceuticals established and began to support us."
"So don't talk to me about effort and hard work."
"What you have built could have been done far better by at least a hundred other principals in the Umeed School Foundation. It's just that what they are responsible for is much more important than what you do."
"So you either explain to me exactly what you have done or get ready to be thrown out."
"I will give you a day's time to prepare."
After saying this, Anna turned and left the office.