As Pratap's announcement echoed through the video conference, a heavy silence lingered for a moment followed by gasps of confusion.
"What?"
"Pratap, what did you just say?"
The group exchanged bewildered looks, question marks practically hanging on their heads.
Gukesh Amdani, raising his brows, asked with a hint of skepticism, "What are you cooking now?"
Hearing this, Pratap's sinister smile widened as he began to elaborate his plan. "I've invested billions in government stocks. And on the day before the election results are announced, I'll start dumping everything."
A stunned silence followed as the gravity of Pratap's plan sank in.
"What the...?" Kapil Uday took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room for reactions. "So you're planning to crash the market?"
Pratap took a moment to clarify his strategy and spoke out.
"Here's how it's going to unfold. I've invested billions into government stocks. My plan is to start dumping these stocks just before the election results are announced. As you know, the market will react negatively to the uncertainty, and I'm counting on it crashing on the day the results are declared."
He continued, "The political party that's predicted to claim the majority seats won't hit their desired numbers, which will create further instability. My actions will exacerbate this instability, ensuring that the market takes a nosedive."
Pratap paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "I'm sharing this with you all to make sure that you're aware of the situation and to avoid any moves that could trigger the market's decline prematurely or investments that might counteract the fall. If you act rashly or invest heavily now, it could push the market up and disrupt my plan."
His gaze swept across the room. "I need you to avoid doing anything that could interfere with the anticipated crash. This is about timing and precision and any interference could sabotage the entire strategy."
With that, Pratap leaned back with a calm and calculated expression, waiting for the reactions of those attending the meeting.
"Good," Gukesh said, still wary but resigned. "Let's hope your plan doesn't bring more trouble than it's worth."
As the conversation wound down, everyone retreated into their own thoughts, the weight of Pratap's strategy hanging heavily in the air.
When the video conference ended, Pratap leaned back in his chair, handing the tablet to one of his servants and taking a cup from another. He stared at his grandson, Jagesh, a 22-year-old with a sharp gaze and a calculating mind. Pratap's expression was one of satisfaction.
"It's done," he said, his tone reflecting the significance of his plan.
At 57, Pratap had already achieved considerable success, largely due to his early arranged marriage and his capable offspring.
There had been quite a long tradition of child marriage in their regions and he was married quite young. So had his children. But times had changed and due to the ban on early marriage, he already had many grandsons and daughters.
Despite some black sheep in the family, Jagesh had always stood out, showing a keen ability to seize opportunities where others faltered.
"I've done everything I can. The rest depends on you, Jagesh. No matter what they try, the market will crash. They won't take risks, and while they might claim that billions are a small sum, those who are cheated of that amount would go to great lengths to exact revenge. So ignore their bluster."
Jagesh chuckled, a smile of amusement playing on his lips. "You don't need to worry about that. We'll be the real winners here. Those politicians think they can outsmart everyone and fill their pockets, but they're in for a surprise."
He leaned back, his confidence evident. "The move was originally initiated by the Political Parties to hoard money from the market. The problem is, if someone else buys up all the available government shares, others won't have a chance to invest."
Jagesh's eyes glinted with determination. "For us, that's entirely possible. If we acquire all the free government shares, everyone else will be left out. It's not just about the financial gain—the real reason for this is to put those petty people in their place and show them their true standing."
Pratap nodded approvingly. "Exactly. It's about making a statement and ensuring that we're the ones in control, not them."
The two shared a moment of understanding, the weight of their plan settling over them.
The stage was set, and now it was up to Jagesh to execute the final steps of their plan.