It was a grand party at Tiwari ji’s home. Late night when almost everyone had left, we were standing at the balcony of his house. He said,

“Aarav, do you realize, you have picked up a fight with Akbar Khan”

“I know Tiwari ji.” I said.

“He is the king of publication industry. Every small and big publication works under his direction. He will never let you succeed in your motive. He is very rich and has connections with powerful people.”

I already knew all these facts, but was still listening patiently.

“Aarav, you would have noticed how publishers are refusing to meet you. No one will go against him.”

“I have to fulfill Rihana’s dream, Tiwari ji. And for that I will go to any extent, even if I have to go to Yogesh Aggarwal.” I said.

“Do you think that Yogesh Aggarwal will publish your Novel?” He asked.

“Yes. He had liked my story. Maybe he will do it.”

“You are still living in some misunderstanding. They are all part of Akbar Khan’s team. He will use you, but will never publish your Novel. He will never say ‘No’ to you, but will also not do your work.” Tiwari ji tried to explain.

With his every word, my heart was getting broken into pieces. Maybe what he was saying was true, but I had to fulfill Rihana’s dream. 

“Tiwari ji, there is no person in this world, who doesn’t have an enemy. I am sure Akbar Khan would also have one. There would be atleast one publisher, who will not follow Akbar Khan’s orders.’ I insisted.

After thinking for a while, he said,

“There is only one publisher in this city, who hates Akbar Khan – Bajaj Publications. Its owner R.K. Bajaj and Akbar Khan used to work together in the past, but today they are each other’s biggest enemies. They always keep competing to become number one publishing house. Only he can help you, but he will not.”

Listening to Tiwari ji, I once again had some hope that there was atleast one person, who could do it. 

“You said that he can help me, but will not. Why?”

Tiwari ji placed his hand on my shoulder.

“He is a very arrogant and weird kind of person. He gives chance to only two kinds of persons. First, those writers who are already famous. Second, those who are very rich. He doesn’t give a chance to new writers. So, he will not help you. Still, if you want, you can give it a try. He is your last chance. If he doesn’t agree, then no one will agree.

When you know that all your options except one are closed, then you put all your energies on that option. As suggested by Tiwari ji, R.K. Bajaj was my only hope. So I focused all my energies to making it a success. 

Next day I reached the office of Bajaj Publications. At the gate I was stopped by a tall security guard, who would not let me in, despite all my pleadings. He had orders to not let anyone come in, unless Mr. Bajaj approved. I kept waiting outside for several hours, waiting for Mr. Bajaj to come out of office. It was 7 pm and I was feeling very hungry. But I didn’t want to miss a chance to meet the person who was my last hope.  

Finally, a black color BMW car arrived at the gate, and Mr. Bajaj came out of his office. He looked like in his early fifties, very fair, with slight grey hair. He had a French-cut beard, and was wearing brown trousers, white shirt, and black blazer. Without any delay I approached him.

“Sir, please… I need your two minutes.”

Mr. Bajaj looked at me from top to bottom, and without saying a word sat in his car. 

“Please Sir, just 2 minutes.” I again pleaded.

He asked his driver to stop.

“What do you want?”

“Sir, my name is Aarav. I am a Novel writer. Sir, please give a chance. Please sir.”

I was begging in front of that person. My soul was completely crushed, but I did not mind at all.

“Have you published any Novel before this?” He asked.

“No Sir. This is my first Novel.” I said with a heavy voice.

“Look, my company has a rule. We don’t give chance to any new writer. I can’t help you.” He asked his driver to start the car.

Before I could react, the car was gone. With every disappointment, I was breaking inside. I took out a cigarette from my pocket, and started smoking. People were blowing my dreams in a smoke, and I was blowing myself. Despite getting a clear ‘no’ from Mr. Bajaj, I decided to try meeting him once again. I remembered Tiwari ji’s statement that R K Bajaj was my last hope.