**Gachibowli**
The sleek villa stood in the heart of Gachibowli, a place where the tech buzz of Hyderabad collided with something darker beneath the surface. Inside, the lights were dim, casting long shadows across the polished floors. Hitesh Malhotra, dressed in a sharp suit, walked in with the air of a man who was both in control and habitual to these deals.
Virendra kashyap- Hitesh's crime partner, was already inside, his presence silent and alert. He gave a brief nod as Hitesh entered, acknowledging the Russian, and south african men who had just arrived. Mikhail and kabelo stood near the bar counter of the room, their eyes cold and calculating.
"Mr. Malhotra," Mikhail said, in his thick Russian accent. He didn't extend a hand, just nodded.
Hitesh met his gaze and gave a short smile. "Mikhail, Kabelo. Long time."
The room was heavy with expectation. Hitesh could feel the weight of the moment, the edge of tension that came with dealing in something like cocaine - a product that could change everything with one wrong move.
The cocaine trade in Hyderabad is a part of the larger global drug trade. While Hyderabad is better known for its tech industry and rich cultural history, like many large urban centers, it has also seen its share of illegal activities, including drug trafficking.
Cocaine typically starts from South American countries like Colombia and peru, where the raw materials, coca leaves, are processed into pure cocaine. Before it reaches India the drug is smuggled through covert routes, travelling through the Caribbean, Central America, and the Middle east.
After reaching India the cocaine is brought in, hiding in shipments or through the airport. Major port cities like Mumbai are entry points for international drugs. But cities like Hyderabad also play a role in distribution.
The distribution of cocaine in Hyderabad is often through high-end clubs, private parties, within the elite or wealthy circles. Neighborhoods like Banjara Hills, known for luxury and affluence, often serve as venues for these illegal activities.
The drug trade in Hyderabad often involves businessmen or individuals with legitimate front companies to cover their illegal dealings. These individuals may use their connections in business or politics to avoid law enforcement scrutiny. They oversee the flow of drugs and ensure distribution runs smoothly.
Hitesh Malhotra, a businessman with legitimate company- Malhotra enterprises, is in charge of the operation. He uses his business connections to hide the illegal transactions and makes sure the cocaine ends up in the hands of the city's wealthy elite.
"We have what you asked for," Kabelo spoke up, his voice almost dangerous. "The full five kilos."
Hitesh glanced at the briefcase that Virendra had placed on the table. He didn't rush to inspect it, but his eyes flicked over to it quickly. "I trust it's good quality."
Mikhail stepped forward, opening the case carefully. He lifted out the first kilo, the white crystalline powder shining brightly in the dim light. "It's clean, as promised. You've got the best in the business, Hitesh." He smelled the powder to check if it was cocaine. Its physical appearance is enough to recognise it, but drug dealing is quite dangerous and not trustworthy. The gasoline smell hit his nostrils, indicating it's the pure cocaine.
Hitesh didn't let his gaze flicker. He knew how to play the game. "I don't settle for anything less," he said, his voice steady. "Not when it's this big. Not when it's cocaine."
Kabelo eyes shimmered. "We're not looking for any problems Malhotra. The money is there ready."
Kabelo pulled out a thick duffel bag from his coat, tossing it onto the table. The sound of cash settling in the bag echoed in the quiet room. "As agreed. Clean cash. No marks."
Hitesh glanced at the bag, then back to the Mikhail and kabelo. He stepped forward, in a slow motion, and opened the duffel. The cash was stacked neatly - more than enough to seal the deal.
"I don't deal with rookies," Hitesh replied, his voice laced with authority. "I deal in certainty."
Mikhail gave a quick nod. "We know how you run things. No mistakes. You have a reputation for making sure things go smoothly."
Hitesh reached into the briefcase, his fingers brushing against the smooth packets of cocaine. His eyes flicked up to meet Mikhail's. "I'll make sure of it," Hitesh said, his voice low, but dangerous.
"We'll be in touch," Mikhail said, his voice as cold as his eyes. "The next shipment will be bigger."
Hitesh simply nodded, his expression unchanged. "Make sure it is. We'll talk then." The sleek villa stood quiet once again as everyone left.
___
I was working on my design which is almost completed. Just then a knock interrupted my focus.
"Come in." Ashok entered with a tablet, I think it's time to inspect everything.
"Sir... patternmakers are arriving in 10 mins. This is the list of fabrics you asked for." He informed me about the arrival of patternmakers handling me the list of fabrics to be finalized.
"Keep it on the table." Saying this I left my cabin Ashok following me behind.
"Let's visit design review studio first." I told him already walking towards the direction of studio.
entering the glass-walled design studio, I spotted the team stands, no one keeps their seats in my presence. Fabrics draped on mannequin, Sketches pinned. I scans everything in silence. Then speaks in a low, sharp tone.
"This fold- sloppy, This silhouette- uninspired, start over." I scrutinize everything.
"This colour belongs in a funeral, not my show, replace it." I ordered leaving no room for argument. Everyone nod, scribble notes, scared faces, yes, they're scared of me, not actually me but my cold demeanor.
After checking everything, I left for my next destination- Tailoring floor. Walking through the tailoring floor, i noticed a seamstress's hand trembles under my gaze, I smirked.
Patternmakers were already there, I nodded indicating they can continue. After examining the stitches, fitting garments, fabrics, for a good 30 minutes, i turned my heel to leave, just then I noticed a lady cutting the fabric in a way which impressed me, after saying 'good work' I left, not wanting to see there surprised more like shocked faces.
"Sir... The production team is already present in the boardroom." Ashok informed me about the meeting. I just hummed in response.
The boardroom is immaculate, with glass walls overlooking the city. A long marble table. Fashion sketches, Swatch folders, and coffee cups line the surface. The walls bear framed covers from vogue, Harper's Bazaar, L'officiel- indicating my past masterpieces.
I entered with silence. Everyone stands. I nod once, indicating they can sit. Ashok stands beside me, opens his tablet.
"We're four days from the show. I don't want excuses, update me." I spoke in a deep, controlled voice. My voice lacks warmth. It's not like i don't want to speak warmly, it's just I don't know how to.
"The teaser campaign crossed 6 million views in 48 hours. The 'Elements of nature' theme is echoing and we're seeing strong commitments from Europe and Dubai." Rishi- The head of global marketing spoke.
"How's the press list?" I asked.
"We've confirmed Vogue India, The Business of Fashion, and some international influencers. There's one issue- because of the delay in the visa we're having trouble getting The Cut's editor in time." Siya- PR Director spoke.
"If The Cut doesn't come to Hyderabad, we make them wish they had. Replace them with London buyers from Harrods. I don't like delay." I spoke coldly.
"Can we allow backstage press?" Siya spoke.
"No. The art isn't finished, until it walks." I spoke.
"The first step onto that runway must feels like coronation. Now, Dismissed." I left the boardroom first.
"Sir... Your father called, saying they're at your
mansion." This was enough to boil my blood. Hitesh Malhotra and kavya Malhotra my so-called parents.
I left for my home- correction, mansion. Because home is warmth which I never felt.
I parked my lexus LS in the parking lot of my mansion. I met with the presence of my parents as soon as I entered the mansion.
"Who gave you the permission to enter my territory?" I asked coldly.
"Behave Aaryan, don't forget you're talking to your father." He replied in a same tone. The audacity of this man to call him my father.
"All I know is, I'm talking to the murderer of 16 years old girl- my sister." I spoke sternly.
"Beta... Please don't do this." Mrs. Malhotra spoke.
"Don't call me that Mrs. Malhotra." I warned.
"I heard about the upcoming fashion show. You didn't even bother to inform me." He asked. Is this man serious? Why should I inform him?
"This is MY EMPIRE. I don't have to inform anyone about my Empire." I cleared their so-called expectations.
"Now leave, Mr & Mrs. Malhotra. I've other important works to deal." Saying this I went upstairs not wanting to listen to their blabbering.
"Aaryan". I heard Mr. Malhotra shout my name.
I was sitting on a chair in my study room and talking to the photo frame of my sister- Riya Malhotra. "Sorry baccha, I couldn't able to save you. I... I'm sorry." tears formed at the corner of my eyes. I refused to cry until I punished her culprits. I'm still unable to find those bastards. Once I caught them, I'll send them to hell.
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