Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Scene 1: At Stop and Click, Mumbai
The bustling office of Stop and Click was filled with the sound of keyboards clicking and phones ringing. Developers, designers, and project managers moved swiftly between workstations, engaged in intense discussions about upcoming game launches.
Inside his glass-walled cabin, Karan Aggarwal, the CEO, sat with his eyes fixed on the screen, reviewing code. He had built a reputation for his no-nonsense attitude and perfectionism. Across from him, his cousin and best friend, Arjun Aggarwal, paced back and forth, frustration clear on his face.
Arjun finally stopped and slammed a file onto Karan's desk.
Arjun (frustrated): "Bhai, this Paris client is impossible! He wants changes in the game just two days before the launch."
Karan didn't even look up. "So? Do it."
Arjun: "Bhai, the changes aren't minor. He wants us to completely alter the storyline to reflect South African culture instead of the North African folklore we originally used. If we change one element, the entire game's narrative will collapse!"
Karan leaned back, his sharp gaze meeting Arjun's. "Then schedule a meeting. We need to understand exactly what they want."
Arjun: "Fine, I'll set it up."
Karan nodded and switched topics. "What about the Dubai client's update report?"
Arjun hesitated. "Not yet, but we'll receive it by the end of the day."
Karan's jaw tightened. "That's unacceptable. The deadline was 12 PM today. 'By the end of the day' is not good enough."
Arjun sighed. "Bhai, I gave them some relaxation. They've been working hard; a little flexibility won't hurt."
Karan's tone was firm. "I don't run this company on flexibility. Deadlines matter. Fix it."
Without waiting for a response, he picked up his phone and walked out.
Outside the cabin, a group of employees had been listening. The tension on their faces was clear.
Arjun (to employees): "Guys, I saved you today, but don't test your luck again. Next time, meet your deadlines or deal with Karan directly."
Employee 1: "Thank you, sir! We'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
Employee 2: "Sir, honestly, our workload has increased, and we're struggling. We need more team members."
Arjun nodded. "Alright, I'll bring this up in the management meeting. If you face problems, email me."
Employee 2: "I sent an email this morning, but I wanted to mention it personally."
Arjun gave a small smile. "Good. Every email gets a response within 24 hours. If you sent it, you'll have an update soon."
Just then, an assistant approached.
Assistant: "Sir, Karan sir has called you."
Arjun sighed. "Here we go again." He turned to the employees. "Get back to work. And prepare the update report before 4 PM—I won't be able to save you next time."
Scene 2: Addressing the Workload Issue
Arjun walked into Karan's office, already expecting another demand.
Arjun: "You called, bro?"
Karan raised an eyebrow. "Yes, sir. Do you have a problem with that?"
Arjun smirked. "No, sir."
Karan pushed a printed email toward him. "Employees are complaining about excessive workload. I think we need to hire more people."
Arjun: "Yeah, I just heard the same from them. Let's check with department heads first?"
Karan nodded. "Agreed. Let's identify which teams need additional manpower."
Arjun: "I'll call a meeting with the department heads and HR manager in an hour."
An hour later, the meeting room was filled with department heads. Karan wasted no time.
Karan: "This meeting is to discuss the workload issue. I want clear feedback from each department."
Employee 1: "Sir, the coding department has sufficient manpower. We're managing well."
Employee 2: "Same here. No extra hires needed."
Employee 3: "Sir, in the game design department, our workload has increased significantly."
Arjun: "Is this because of the unlimited change policy, or do you need help in the initial creation process?"
Employee 3: "We're still figuring out the reason for the spike, but we definitely need at least two or three more designers."
Karan thought for a moment. "We'll hire interns first. After six months, the best two will be offered permanent positions."
HR Manager: "Sir, considering the workload, should we introduce a half-day game evening on Fridays for employees to unwind?"
Arjun: "Why Friday? Saturday is already a weekend."
Karan: "Move it to Wednesday. And Arjun, you'll participate too."
Arjun frowned. "Why not you?"
Karan simply looked at him without responding.
HR Manager: "Alright, sir. We'll implement the changes."
Scene 3: Tejasswi's Life in Mumbai
Somewhere across Mumbai, Tejasswi Aggarwal was getting her 7-year-old son, Aarav, ready for the day.
Tejasswi: "Aarav, drink your milk."
Aarav (making a face): "Mumma, it smells yuck."
Tejasswi: "Why does the smell matter? Just drink it like a cat."
Aarav (grinning): "Mumma, I'm Superman—strong and powerful! Not a cat."
She laughed. "And to be strong and powerful, Superman needs to drink his milk."
Aarav wrinkled his nose. "But if milk makes us strong, why aren't cats strong?"
Tejasswi sighed. "I'll find the answer later. For now, just drink."
Aarav took a sip. "Only for you, Mumma."
Her phone buzzed. It was the doctor.
Doctor: "Teju, Aarav's reports are in. There's no improvement in his condition. We need a donor soon. Also, start arranging money—the treatment will be expensive."
Tejasswi's world collapsed. "Yes, doctor. I'll do whatever it takes."
As soon as she hung up, she broke down. Why, God? Why does my little boy have to suffer?
Scene 4: Tejasswi's Past
Tejasswi sat quietly, lost in painful memories.
She had been madly in love with Chirag, a rising social media influencer. Despite her family's disapproval, she had eloped with him, believing their love was enough.
But soon after marriage, Chirag's true colors emerged.
He had promised to announce their marriage but never did, claiming it would hurt his female fanbase. When she became pregnant, he grew distant.
One night, while searching for an electrician's contact, she stumbled upon messages on Chirag's phone—flirtatious texts, hotel bookings, and undeniable proof of his betrayal.
Her heart shattered. "Chirag, what is this?"
Chirag (casually): "Oh, that? Just a one-time thing, babe."
Tejasswi: "You cheated on me!"
Chirag shrugged. "I'm a man. These things happen."
Furious and disgusted, she demanded a divorce. That's when he smirked and revealed the hidden clause in their marriage contract—whoever filed for divorce first would lose their ancestral property rights to the other.
It was a trap.
With nothing left, she walked away, choosing dignity over wealth.
But she had gained something more valuable—Aarav. Her son was her strength, and she would do anything to protect him.
Back in the present, Trisha placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Teju, you'll find a way."
Tejasswi wiped her tears. "I have to."
Curtain falls.