The Underestimated Genius

Chapter 8

Akash burst into another round of laughter as he pointed a mocking finger at Arjun. “You know, you should become a comedian instead of going around claiming to be Nexumcore’s creator. Do you usually dream this big without actually having a real future?” Akash asked as Arjun smiled softly. “Do you agree to my proposition Akash?” He asked with a challenging stare which made Akash pissed off immediately, wiping away the smile he had on his face immediately.

“How dare a nobody try to strike a deal with me?” He seethed under his breath while Arjun maintained his cocky stare.

“You always try to show off, Arjun. This time, I will turn you into a mess completely,” Meera quipped with an angry stare as Arjun shifted his gaze at her beside Akash.

“Then tell your dear boyfriend to accept the challenge if he is not scared to lose,” Arjun said with a drawl.

“Scared to lose?!” Meera spat out incredulously.

“You have become really delusional after our divorce. You are so desperate to get your revenge, ugh?” She asked with an irritated tone.

“I don’t care about you any longer, Meera. You are not even good enough to be made, talk more of my partner….”

“You!” Meera interrupted him with a dangerous glare.

“Shut up,” Arjun commanded effortlessly with an aura Meera has never seen him carry before as she stared in disbelief as he continued. “You don’t talk when I speak. You only listen, dear Meera,” he said calmly. Even Akash was too stunned to say anything as he watched.

“And about my revenge….” Arjun paused and chuckled. “I will get it in ten folds. Every single thing to your name was all because of my help, I will take them back and watch you crawl on your feet, begging me….”

Meera looked red with anger now as she immediately hit Arjun across the face. “How dare you?!” She breathed in rage as Arjun turned to look at her again, as he behaved as one he wasn’t slapped. Rohan and Vinod stared in horror, anticipating how Arjun would react to the matter. They were the only ones who knew of Arjun’s power.

“You look scared, Meera. That horror on your face will worsen….” He said as Meera’s heart thumped against her chest. “Soon.” He completed and tucked his hands into his pocket and smiled at her. “Come on, run along you lots, you aren’t welcome here or should I say, you aren’t good enough to stand in the presence of the chairman of the Maratha Industries.” He added with a cocky grin that only made Meera more pissed.

That was the truth though. If Maratha Industries wasn’t experiencing issues due to Nexumcore glitch, then someone like Akash wouldn’t dare speak so audaciously about acquiring the company.

“I will have a banquet in three days to celebrate my acquisition of Maratha Industries! I will make you give Maratha Industries up in shame and disgrace!” Akash turned to look at Arjun. “Then, I will watch you kneel in front of me and beg shamefully.”

“I can’t wait,” Arjun replied with a curt smile as Akash scoffed tightly.

“Fine then! Three days it is!” Akash announced.

“Let’s leave, babe. They are going to pay soon enough. Prideful idiots!” Akash spat as he and Meera stomped out of the area.

“Mr. Maratha, are you….” Vinod made to rush to check Arjun’s cheek but Arjun stopped him.

“It’s nothing,” he waved before Vinod got close to him. “I mean it’s nothing compared to how she had hurt me in the past,” Arjun added as both Vinod and Rohan exchanged looks, both not sure of how to comfort him or if he even needed their comfort.

“For Akash, he is going to have the worst banquet in three days. I will make sure of that,” Arjun’s tone immediately changed to a determined one. Rohan and Vinod immediately came back to their senses. This Arjun wasn’t the old one.

“Is it true you would be correcting the glitch on Nexumcore in three days?” Vinod asked happily.

“Few hours are enough to correct whatever issue Nexumcore is having. I just want to create an illusion for that fool. Let’s go prepare for the worst banquet Akash would ever host,” Arjun said dismissively and walked away while the duo watched him silently.

*******************

Three days later, Arjun attended the Banquet after he had received an invitation from Akash a day before. His sole reason was to make Arjun come to the party and watch how he takes over Maratha industries. The prideful fool wanted to make him the laughingstock stock of the party not knowing that he has a surprise waiting for him instead.

The room was filled with the top one percent of the country all dressed exquisitely except Arjun who was dressed plainly.

The moment Akash’s eyes caught sight of Arjun, he walked up to the podium with Meera by his side as he took hold of the microphone. “Good evening everyone!” He greeted with a broad smile.

That’s it. Arjun thought as he dipped his hands in his pocket and maintained a confident stance while staring at Akash. Smile all you can now because this night is going to be your worst. Arjun inhaled deeply.

“We have all come to the banquet without even knowing what I am celebrating. And of course, I had stated it in the invitation that it will be announced at the banquet itself.” He continued as his eyes lingered on Arjun, wanting to see a form of crack or intimidation as he was about to tell the world the news.

“Tonight, I will be the new chairman of Maratha Industries!” He announced as everywhere became dead silence.

“What?” How is that going to be possible?” One of the guests, a politician, a minister of finance and also a good friend of Akash asked. “How can you suddenly become its new chairman when they have one? I know you have lots of money but Maratha Industries is beyond your reach, Akash.”

Akash chuckled and shook his head. “That is wrong because Maratha industries isn’t what you all think it to be.” Akash started to say as he relished in seeing the angry look Arjun has at that point.

The fact that he was tainting the name of Maratha Industries to the world didn’t sit well with him. But the night was far from over. Arjun was going to teach him a memorable lesson.