It was 3’0’ clock, Nian leaned back in his leather chair after the board meeting. There was a knock on the door,

“Come in, “ Nian ordered.

The door clicked open quietly, Mr. Sandeep entered, his usually calm demeanor replaced with an air of urgency.

“Mr. Nian, we need to talk. It's … .a confidential matter” Sandeep’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as he closed the door behind him.

Nian’s sharp eyes shifted on him “Go on.”

It’s about Mr. Pratap, one of our senior employee” Sandeep began, stepping closer.

“I’ve just overheard something disturbing. 

Pratap is…he’s a spy.

Nian’s expression hardened instantly. “A spy? Are you certain?”

“Yes, sir ", Sandeep nodded.

“I overheard him talking to someone over the phone. He has compiled confidential data from our upcoming project into a pen drive. He plans to hand it over to someone tomorrow.”

Silence filled the room for a brief moment, thick with tension.

“Tomorrow?” His voice was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.

“Did you hear where he plans to hand it over?”

“No, only that it will happen tomorrow.”

Nian leaned forward, his finger steepled.

“Sandeep, no one else must know about this. We will handle it quietly. I want you to keep a close watch on Pratap. Make sure he doesn’t suspect we are aware.”

“Ok, sir”, Sandeep replied.

“And Sandeep.” Nian’s voice softened slightly, but his eyes were cold.

“If Pratap is truly a spy, he will learn that betraying me is a mistake he can’t afford.”

As soon as Sandeep left, Nian picked up his phone and dialled Kiran, his close friend.

The phone rang twice before a familiar, confident voice answered.

“Oh wow, look who’s still alive!” Kiran teased as he picked up the call.

“Shut the f*ck up Kiran, I need your help. We have a serious situation here,” 

“What happened,” Kiran replied in a firm voice.

Nian quickly explained the situation about Mr. Pratap, the stolen data, and the impending exchange.

“So Pratap is hanging over the pen drive tomorrow?” Kiran’s tone grew serious.

“Yes. You must follow him tomorrow. Find out who he’s meeting and retrieve the pen drive quietly. I can’t risk this leaking."

Nian noted, his voice low and filled with concern.

“Consider it done”, Kiran replied as a piece of cake for him. “I’ll keep an eye on him and make sure the pen drive never reaches the wrong hands.”

“That’s my friend, I knew I could count on you.” Nian replied.

"Always, Nian. Don't worry, I'll handle this.” Kiran stated.