1. The Race

Author's POV

In the boardroom, shareholders from the Ramachandran Group of Companies and AR Groups were assembled for the final farewell to the heiresses and to officially welcome the new heir assuming the position.

They were whispering among themselves because the heirship was to be transferred from Uyir Jayadev to Agathiyan Aadhiran today, and everyone had the same question on their minds: who would assume the administrative power from Magilan Shivashankar?

Despite there being no competition for Aadhavan in securing the position, and with Agathiyan, who holds a larger share in the empire, choosing a career in the police force over business involvement, there remain objections and doubts about Aadhavan's appointment as the acting CEO due to his status as the adopted son of Magilan, the current CEO.

Neverthless they can't cause any major dispute if Magilan announce Aadhavan as the next CEO and Agathiyan just agreed with him without any objection...

As per the Will Uyir is passing the heirship to Agathiyan as he was going to be father soon and his son or daughter will be the first born of the generation and inherits the same power from his/her father..........but the Administrative power is open to all to fight for..

The daughters and sons of the five siblings were eligible to compete for administrative power; however, except for Aadhavan, none showed interest in participating in the race, which led to his unchallenged victory....

Having already demonstrated his capabilities as the CEO of RV Groups, his inheritance through his maternal grandfather has solidified his position. Him getting the CEO role of both AR and Ramakrishna Groups has sparked envy and jealousy among the people, as this role further strengthening his influence in the manufacturing sector. AR Groups is known for its specialty chemicals and medical equipment manufacturing, while Ramachandran Groups encompasses cement, bulk chemicals, raw materials, and steel and iron production. RV Groups is involved in the textile industry....

This is why many in the conference room are opposed to Aadhavan becoming the next CEO; their only argument against him is his birth and lineage, which certainly won't hold up against his administrative capabilities and achievements in the field...

Now, all they could do was envy this powerful family and the strong Administrator it produced in each generation without fail, leaving no opportunity for anyone to point out any fault in their professionalism and success in running the empire.

The room fell silent as the door opened and the five siblings, Magilan, Uyir, Aadhiran, Aadharsh, and Mugilan, walked in....

The next generation followed behind the elders......all dressed in suits and their aura around them demanded the respect and it screamed the power.....

Although the discussion primarily revolves around Agathiyan and Aadhavan, their siblings and cousins are equally notable for inheriting power through other means...

Because we are only taking about Two empire's ownership and future....but there is lot more belongs to this family

Everyone in the family have equally named shares in every business field they are in...

In the cousin gang of 10 leaving Agathiyan and Aadhavan

Thulir , Amudhan, Shiva

Decided to stay away from any business and choose a field different from their family's and will remain the same

Thulir is a Tamil Lecturer in a prominent university

Amudhan, a pastry chef, built and owns his shop. Agathiyan is the one who signed as guarantee to secure a loan for starting his pastry shop. Although he could have asked his family elders or utilized his own shares for a larger startup....he wanted this way

Shiva is presently in his third year of B.Tech, specializing in cybersecurity.........in future he may join to assist his brother or may be not he didn't decided that yet

There is others who is going to fill the elders shoes too

Thalir is certainly on track to join Dev Groups, as she has already begun working there to gain experience. Everyone is confident that she is the next in line to become CEO and fill her father's shoes.

Thuyavan - He already assisting his mother in her publications also he was the one working in as the marketing head in Chain of restaurants and hotels

Aadhithya - He is surely going to be next CEO of Revathi group of Hospitals

Agni - He is was in his final year of Fashion designing course and already started working under Tisya

Umaiyazh is only 12 years old, and it's up to her to decide what she wants to pursue.

A basic degree is mandatory for every one in the cousin gang, and objections are not acceptable. While they are not compelled to enter the family business, they must generate their own income through a chosen profession or passion even if it's very minimal they should have their hard earned money. Given the privilege to pursue their passion without financial worries, they are expected to be responsible on their own and not to be a spoiled brat in any case...

The cousin gang excluding the elder trio entered the conference hall and took their seat on the other side away from the main table.....

After a while, the elders arrived. At last, Thulir made her entrance, flanked by Agathiyan and Aadhavan. As they walked in, everyone in the conference hall rose to greet them, a testament to the trio's undeniable authority within the family as well as the business empire in current generation.

Agathiyan guided Thulir to where the cousins were gathered and assisted her to sit comfortably on the sofa. Being in her seventh month of pregnancy with twins, she certainly needed his help occasionally....

Agathiyan and Aadhavan walked towards the table and stood beside Magilan and Uyir....

Uyir stood up addressed all of them with a short note

"I extend a warm welcome to everyone present today. I intend to be brief. I have not engaged in business, even my successor seemed to like that way.."

Uyir paused and looked at Agathiyan who just nodded lightly and blinked his eyes...Uyir smiled at him

"I have chosen to step back from the responsibilities that my brother ensured never burdened me over the years, always demonstrating why my father, Mr. Shivashankar, made a prudent decision in not compelling me to join the family business. "

Uyir's comment made her brothers chuckle and her nephews, daughters and son hoot, prompting her to shake her head in disbelief...Uyir took deep breath and her demeanor changed the next second.......

"I trust that there will be no objections to this matter; however, even if there are, it will not alter the decision I have made"

Even though she spoke with a smile and in a jovial manner, the authority behind her words was undeniable, and the people present were surely aware of it.....

Without any hesitation, everyone agreed with her. She gave a slight smile, signed the papers, then stepped aside from the chair, allowing Agathiyan to take a seat....

Uyir embraced her nephew, who was now her son-in-law, patted his back, guided him to a chair, and handed him a pen to sign the documents....He smiled at her, signed the paper, and then everyone clapped and offered their congratulations....

Agathiyan stood up

"Thank you for your kind wishes. I'm uncertain why my aunt suddenly decided she was getting old and chose to step back for a peaceful life. She has now entrusted me with this significant responsibility to carry on. Just as she had my uncle's support, I feel I need someone to help me bear this burden. Responsibility, discipline, and accountability have been instilled in us from childhood, irrespective of gender and age, so it isn't frightening. It's the immense trust placed in me that feels overwhelming. I simply wish to honor that trust. Thank you..."

He delivered a brief and clear speech, stating unequivocally that he was not interested in assuming the administrative powers, as he already had significant responsibilities as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).....

The board meeting was nearing its end without addressing the matter of the next CEO when someone voiced this concern, prompting others to join in the discussion......

Magilan observed the scene in silence, occasionally glancing at his wife, who is also there as one of the partner, and at his son by his side who was unaffected as he was immune to all this.....then Agathiyan, equally composed while watching the commotion, caught Magilan's eye and gave a slight nod, offering him reassurance.

Before Magilan could speak, Thalir rose from her seat; she had been sitting beside her father, representing Dev Group of Industries.

"It seems there is eagerness to transition my uncle from the CEO position. Is it a perception that he's too old for the role or doubts about his capabilities? The agenda of this board meeting, as you've been informed, is my mother Uyir Jayadev officially stepping back and nominating her nephew as heir according to her will. This meeting is not to decide the next CEO, remember that.

Heirship is a birthright; the firstborn of each generation inherits it by my mother's design. However, administrative power must be earned, and it's a race open to all of us. If no one in our generation is deemed incompetent, then my uncle has the liberty to choose a successor outside the family as well.

He has ample time to decide on his successor, and you can trust his judgment. He has always been fair in providing equal opportunities in his professional decisions..."

Thalir's statement drew narrowed eyes from her parents and siblings, eliciting shock and a few gasps from others. Aadhavan gave her a pointed look, which she royally ignored.....Agathiyan smirked looking at his brother and his sister in law....

He knew where this was heading, and it was bound to be enjoyable. Tilting his head, he glanced at his wife to gauge her reaction. Raising his eyebrows inquisitively, he observed as she simply shrugged her shoulders and winked at him, causing him to stifle a smile by biting his inner cheek......

So she knows.....

"Instead of 'Uyir sisters,' they ought to be called 'Chaotic sisters,'" he thought to himself.

"We didn't mean it that way. We all know that Mr. Aadhavan is going to be the next CEO. Announcing it today won't make a difference, and we would be worry-free since we already know he is right for the position. When it's already clear, why delay? An informal announcement would put an end to the rumors and doubts. "

One voiced out and few agreed with his point....Thalir glanced at them then asked strenly...

"What made you Conclude that way Dhanaraj sir??"

"Since there has been no competition for the CEO position so far, it appears to be an easy victory for Mr. Aadhavan without a contest."

Thalir gazed directly into Aadhavan's eyes, smirked, and spoke.

"You cannot level such a baseless accusation against my uncle, Mr. Magilan, and assume that he would only favor his son without proper consideration. A victory without competition is also a defeat; I do not wish to grant such a win to Mr. Aadhavan. If it means I must enter the race myself, I will do so to demonstrate that my uncle has always been impartial in professional matters."

Thalir finished causing shock among others and felt mixed emotions; those who had envied Aadhavan for becoming the CEO soon found themselves readily supporting Thalir.....

Before anyone could speak Aadhavan said...

"I don't desire an easy win either, as it's too boring... I am up for this race....."

2. Own choices

Author's POV

"Congratulations, Aadhavan! The client was impressed with your proposal and has decided to give the project to you. Wishing you all the best!"

Mithran said forwarding the file to Aadhavan

"How is it possible that they chose his proposal over mine when both are equally... I thought this competition was fair and not biased "

Thalir was frustrated after dedicating two months to the project proposal, only to find herself at a loss with the first project. She found it utterly unacceptable.

"Everything is fair and unbiased. Thalir, to ensure impartiality, the Chairman delegated this competition's responsibility to me. Your proposal was indeed excellent, but Aadhavan's experience currently gives him an edge. In this competition, one cannot simply dismiss the trust that someone has earned through hard work. Aadhavan has built that trust with his diligence. If you aim to surpass him, you must excel and leave no room for the client to reject your proposal. You are still new to the business world, Thalir. Instead of complaining, learn from this experience, as it is the only way to triumph in this competition......."

Mithran said sternly not liking how she talked.......Thalir mumbled silent sorry to him because...Mithran was Magilan's best friend who is also the Chief PRO and Cybersecurity...

Mithran was closest to the family and aware of mostly everything related to them and all the members have huge respect for him, It was Uyir who requested him to take up the responsibility of handling the duo......

Mithran nodded his head and looked at Thalir and took a deep breath

"See Thalir ma....I don't want to be harsh on you but you can't expect me to support you when you are wrong..."

Mithran sighed, said his piece, and left the conference hall, leaving the two behind.

"Why are you fighting in a losing game Thalir"

"You mean I can't win....don't you think you are underestimating me"

Thalir scoffed.....Aadhavan signed

"Thalir, I understand you're angry, and that's justified. I acknowledge I'm the cause of it. You have every right to reprimand me, and I am prepared to seek your forgiveness in any way to persuade you. However, expressing your anger through revenge, especially in this manner, will affect your own career..........You are just letting those people use you just because they don't like me taking the CEO position.......Don't be their puppet Thalir "

"Why Aadhavan, Only you should use me as Puppet? and why do you care?"

"What... have you lost your mind? I know I made a mistake, but that doesn't mean I'll just stand by and watch you ruin your career like this... You're still my cousin, whom I've known since your birth, and I care about you and always will."

Aadhavan said

"If you care about my career that much then lose this competition Aadhava let me win this and take over the CEO position"

Thalir spoke, her hands folded in front of her and her brows raised. Aadhavan Narrowed his eyes at her

"I won't give up. This position is the result of my hard work, and even though everyone recognizes my worth, they oppose me solely because of my birth. I've been battling this since a young age. I always felt like an outsider in my own family, allowing others' words to affect me. But now, I don't let anyone use those words to weaken me, I'm already immune to them. So don't be fooled and fall into their trap, Thalir. "

Aadhavan said and took the file and about to leave but Thalir's words stopped him

"Aadhava, don't deceive yourself, you are still insecure about it. Regardless of the support you receive from perimama, Periatthai, and the rest of our family, you continue to seek validation and acceptance from others."

Aadhavan clenched his fists to contain his emotions, took a deep breath, and stepped forward to leave without responding... yet, he stopped in his tracks once more upon hearing her voice.

"You are a coward, Aadhava. You concealed your love for me and hurt me, fearing my sister's anger. You didn't want to create more problems in the family because of you. So, you broke my heart. you are a coward, Aadhava,

That's why my akka chose Agathiyan over you,

Because she knew you wouldn't stand by her for love as Agathiyan did, due to your insecurities."

Once those words left her mouth.....Aadhavan came to her in fraction of second and strangled her neck.....her eyes widened her breath became uneven she can see that fury in his eyes which she never known..

"You always wants what your akka likes right......she didn't want me then why the hell did you fell in love with me huh...why did you loved this coward , I never asked you to love me nor pestered you never showed any sign that I am interested in you.......It was you who came behind me it was you who said you love me......atleast once in your life make your own choices instead of picking up something your Akka left behind"

Aadhavan's let go of her and left the room leaving her breathless, her neck still tingling from the imprint of his fingers. The room seemed to close in on her, suffocating, as if the weight of his words pressed against her chest. Tears flowed freely, blurring her vision.