The buzz around campus was undeniable. The Annual Business Debate Seminar was one of the biggest academic events of the semester, a stage where the best minds from the business department clashed in heated discussions over real-world corporate issues.
This year, the competition was fiercer than ever.
Shumaila, Sneha, and Siddarth had been preparing for days, knowing the debate wasn't just about winning—it was about proving themselves.
And, as fate would have it, Shumaila's direct opponent was none other than Taniya Mehra.
A Packed Auditorium
The university auditorium was packed, with students from all departments seated to witness the showdown. Some were there for the competition, others just to watch the drama unfold.
"I still don't get why people are this excited for a debate," Aarav muttered as he settled into his seat beside Komal.
"It's not just a debate," Komal whispered back. "It's a war zone."
Their group had taken front-row seats to support Shumaila, Sneha, and Siddarth. Even Rudra had managed to drag Hamza along.
Hamza, who usually stayed away from crowded events, leaned toward Rudra. "Remind me why I'm here?"
Rudra smirked. "Because you need to stop being a loner and actually interact with people."
Hamza rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
The Debate Begins
The moderator took the stage, announcing the topic:
"Corporate Ethics vs. Profit Maximization: Can Businesses Truly Balance Both?"
It was a hot topic—one that had been debated for years.
Taniya, representing the argument that profit maximization should take priority, stepped forward first.
"In the real world, businesses don't survive on good intentions alone," she stated confidently. "Companies exist to make money. Ethics are a luxury that not every corporation can afford if they wish to stay competitive."
Her words were sharp, practiced, and persuasive. She smirked slightly, knowing she had the audience's attention.
But then, it was Shumaila's turn.
She stepped up, adjusting the mic, her gaze unwavering. "And yet, history proves that companies that disregard ethics for the sake of profit eventually crumble. Customers value integrity. Investors seek sustainability. And let's not forget—governments impose regulations. Ethics aren't just some 'idealistic' concept. They're a necessity for long-term success."
The audience murmured in approval.
Taniya narrowed her eyes but didn't let it shake her. "That's a nice sentiment, but let's talk facts. The biggest corporations—Amazon, Apple, Tesla—they all prioritize profits over so-called 'ethics.' They thrive because they dominate, not because they play nice."
Shumaila didn't hesitate. "And yet, brands that get exposed for unethical practices—Nike's labor scandal, Facebook's data privacy issues—suffer public backlash, financial losses, and stricter regulations. You can chase profits all you want, but without ethical foundations, your company's success is fragile."
The debate intensified, both of them delivering strong counterpoints. The audience was hooked, watching the battle of wits unfold like a chess match.
Sneha and Siddarth also performed well, holding their ground in their respective rounds, but it was clear that the final showdown between Shumaila and Taniya was stealing the spotlight.
The Final Verdict
After a grueling session, the judges announced the results.
Shumaila won the debate.
The audience erupted into applause, their group cheering the loudest.
Taniya's expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of frustration in her eyes. Losing to a fresher? That was something she wouldn't forget.
As Shumaila stepped off the stage, her friends rushed to her.
"You absolutely destroyed her," Komal grinned.
"Not bad," Hamza admitted, much to everyone's surprise.
Shumaila smirked. "That almost sounded like a compliment."
Hamza shrugged. "Don't get used to it."
Meanwhile, Taniya sat back in her seat, her fingers tapping against the table. She wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.
As the event wrapped up, Rudra and Hamza found themselves walking back to the dorms together.
"You really don't talk much, do you?" Rudra mused.
Hamza smirked. "I talk when necessary."
Rudra chuckled. "Well, lucky for you, I talk enough for both of us."
Hamza shook his head but didn't seem to mind. Maybe this whole 'having friends' thing wasn't so bad after all.
As Shumaila and the group walked out of the auditorium, Taniya watched them go, her jaw clenched.
"She got lucky today," Saanvi muttered beside her.
Taniya exhaled slowly, a cold smirk forming on her lips. "Luck runs out."
And with that, the rivalry had only just begun.