December 7, 2008
The sun had barely risen, casting a faint golden glow over the narrow streets of Dakshin Barasat. The faint chirping of birds was accompanied by the distant sounds of bicycle bells and morning vendors setting up shop. But inside Aritra's modest room, the outside world barely existed. The Legendary System's soft hum filled the space, and his sharp eyes reflected the flickering glow of the screen. The empire he envisioned was no longer just a blueprint in his mind—it was becoming real.
However, even the most ambitious plans couldn't succeed without the right people. Machines could be bought, systems could be designed, but it was talent—skilled, strategic minds—that would breathe life into his vision. Today wasn't about technology. It was about people. Aritra knew he couldn't build this empire alone.
The recruitment process had to be perfect—not just hiring people but securing individuals who were exceptional in their fields, the kind who didn't settle for mediocrity. But he didn't want ordinary resumes flooding his inbox. No, Aritra needed the best minds, and often, the best were already working elsewhere, buried in roles where their potential was wasted.
He leaned forward, fingers flying over the keyboard as he crafted a discreet, encrypted message using the system's secure communication interface. The message would reach specific individuals—strategically selected talents across India—without leaving a trace. The content was simple but powerful:
"An opportunity that will redefine your future. If you're ready to build something revolutionary, meet me at this address tomorrow at 10 AM. No formalities, no résumés—just your mind and ambition."
The message was sent to five individuals across different industries:
Arnav Basu – A brilliant software architect from Bengaluru, known for his groundbreaking work in AI algorithms.Priya Menon – A financial strategist based in Mumbai, whose risk models had saved her company millions during the financial crisis.Rajat Kapoor – A hardware engineer in Hyderabad, specializing in microprocessor design, often frustrated by corporate limitations.Leena Roy – A marketing genius from Delhi with a knack for turning unknown brands into household names.Sameer Khan – A cybersecurity expert in Pune, known for his ethical hacking prowess and an almost obsessive attention to detail.
Aritra's secretary, Ishita, had already been handling the logistics. She was efficient, sharp, and unflinchingly loyal—a rare find, one he intended to keep close as the empire grew.
The next day unfolded like a well-rehearsed play.
December 8, 2008
Location: Aritra's newly rented office space in Salt Lake, Kolkata
The room was minimalistic—white walls, a simple wooden table, and two chairs. No flashy décor, no corporate logos. Just raw space, filled with potential. Aritra sat calmly, reviewing the profiles he'd memorized the night before. Ishita stood beside him, her expression unreadable, but her posture radiated professionalism.
The first to arrive was Arnav Basu. His casual attire—a simple hoodie and jeans—contrasted sharply with his intense gaze. Arnav's brilliance was evident, not in flashy words but in the way he analyzed the room the moment he stepped in.
Aritra didn't waste time with formal introductions. He slid a tablet across the table, displaying a simulation of the AI framework he envisioned for the mobile OS.
"This is what we're building," Aritra said simply. "Not bound by outdated architectures, not limited by corporate red tape. Just pure, unfiltered innovation. I want you to lead it."
Arnav's eyes scanned the interface, his interest piqued. "Who's backing this? A startup this bold needs deep pockets."
Aritra leaned forward slightly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Let's just say money isn't a problem. The real question is—do you want to build the future or keep fixing the past where you are?"
There was a pause, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Then Arnav nodded. "I'm in. But I'll need my own team."
"Pick whoever you need," Aritra replied without hesitation. "No budget constraints."
The second meeting was with Priya Menon. She arrived sharply on time, dressed in a tailored suit that screamed efficiency. Unlike Arnav, she wasn't here for passion. She was here for numbers.
Aritra presented her with detailed projections—not just financial models, but bold forecasts that defied traditional corporate logic.
Priya listened, her analytical mind dissecting every word. "This model is aggressive. High risk, high reward. What's the fallback plan if projections don't align with reality?"
Aritra didn't flinch. "There's no fallback plan. We're not here to play it safe. We're here to dominate. If you're afraid of risk, this isn't for you."
Her sharp eyes studied him for a moment longer, then she smiled—a rare, genuine curve of her lips. "Good. I hate fallback plans. Count me in."
Rajat Kapoor arrived with a slightly disheveled look, his worn-out backpack slung over one shoulder. Unlike Priya, he wasn't interested in business models. His passion was hardware—circuits, chips, and everything in between.
Aritra showed him the semiconductor blueprint, detailing the custom processors they'd be developing. Rajat's eyes lit up, his fingers instinctively reaching to zoom into the schematics.
"This… this is beyond anything we've done at my current company," Rajat murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "But the fabrication process—it's expensive. You'll need top-tier machinery and materials."
"We've got it," Aritra replied simply. "And I want you to oversee it. No corporate politics, no budget cuts—just pure engineering freedom."
Rajat didn't need convincing. The offer was everything he'd ever wanted.
Leena Roy was the wildcard. Marketing wasn't about numbers or schematics—it was about perception. She arrived with a confident stride, her presence filling the room like she owned it.
Aritra didn't bother with presentations. Instead, he asked her one simple question. "How would you convince the world that a brand-new phone from an unknown company is better than anything from Apple or Nokia?"
Leena smirked. "Easy. You don't sell the product. You sell the idea that owning it makes you part of something bigger. A movement, not just a phone."
Aritra nodded. "Exactly what I thought."
By the end of the meeting, she was already sketching marketing strategies in her notebook.
The final recruit, Sameer Khan, was the most challenging. He didn't respond to the initial message. Aritra had to dig deeper, tracing him through encrypted forums where cybersecurity experts exchanged cryptic messages. Eventually, Aritra managed to arrange a private meeting in Pune.
Sameer was cautious, skeptical of anyone claiming to build "the future." But Aritra knew how to win him over—not with promises, but with proof. He demonstrated the Legendary System's security protocols, systems so advanced they made military-grade encryption look like child's play.
Sameer's skepticism melted into fascination. "This… isn't just security. It's unbreakable."
"That's why I need you," Aritra said. "Not just to protect it, but to make sure no one even realizes it exists."
Sameer leaned back, a rare grin spreading across his face. "Now that's a challenge worth taking."
By the time Aritra returned to his office, the team was complete. Five minds, each a master in their domain, all aligned with one purpose—to build an empire that would reshape the world.
As he sat down, Ishita entered with the final contracts, her expression as composed as ever.
"All done?" she asked.
Aritra nodded, a rare, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "All done. The empire has its foundation."