Ashburn stood over the large table, maps and printed photos neatly arranged in front of him. "These are all the nearby cities within operational range," he said calmly, sliding one map toward Faraz. "We need a place that won't strain logistics and still has growth potential."
Faraz adjusted his glasses and nodded. "I narrowed it down earlier. Three cities seem viable on paper, but realistically… only one or two make sense."
Aisha entered with her laptop open. "I organized the visuals—market centers, rent averages, population clusters, and main roads." She set the laptop down and pulled up the first file. "Let's start from here."
Ashburn gestured. "Go on."
Aisha zoomed into the first city. "Too scattered. Distance between markets is long, distribution cost doubles immediately."
Faraz added, "And the available storage buildings are either too small or in bad condition."
Ashburn nodded once. "Then we discard it."
They moved to the second option.
"Population is decent," Aisha said, "but buying power is low. Barely enough to sustain one shop, let alone expansion."
"That would trap us for a year," Faraz agreed. "We'd lose momentum."
"Next," Ashburn said quietly.
Aisha opened the final folder. "Faisazabad." The photos showed tighter markets, clean main roads, and organized shop clusters. "Good balance. Medium population, three active commercial zones, and excellent highway access."
Faraz tapped the map. "This route connects directly to Bhawalnagar. Transport time is under an hour. Costs remain manageable."
Ashburn leaned in, carefully studying the images. "Storage options?"
Aisha scrolled to another set of images. "This block near the transport hub. Two to three decent buildings for rent."
Kainat, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke with a small smile. "The city has a good feel. Balanced. Nothing chaotic."
Ashburn glanced at her. "You've checked the photos too?"
"Mm-hm," she replied softly. "And I compared foot traffic in the three markets. The central one looks perfect for our first shop."
Faraz nodded in agreement. "She's right. That center is the most active."
Ashburn looked over the table again, thinking through all angles. After a few breaths, he made the decision. "We proceed with Faisazabad."
Faraz asked, "Should I send a survey team tomorrow?"
"No," Ashburn said. "This time I'm going personally. It's our next big step, and I want to see the terrain myself."
Aisha gave a small, approving nod. "It's important enough. Makes sense."
Kainat stepped forward, tone calm but with her usual lightness. "I can join for documentation and noting details… and to keep you from choosing a building near a dumpsite."
Ashburn allowed a faint smile. "Fair. You and Faraz will come with me. Aisha, you stay and handle Bhawalnagar's flow."
"Already planned for it," she replied. "I'll manage operations."
Faraz opened a notebook. "What will we prioritize during the survey?"
Ashburn listed systematically, his voice steady.
"Location for the city office and storage.
Location for the first shop.
Market density and traffic flow.
Competition, supplier availability.
Future expansion paths."
"Understood," Faraz said.
"We're entering the fifth month," Ashburn continued. "Eight shops are already functioning in Bhawalnagar. Before opening anything new, we need a strong, stable base. No rushing."
Aisha added, "And once the first shop opens, four months for consolidation. Strengthen Bhawalnagar, stabilize Faisazabad, expand the factory, introduce two new products, and improve marketing."
"Exactly." Ashburn leaned on the table. "Everything needs to move in rhythm."
Kainat looked at the spread-out maps carefully. Her tone was soft but certain. "The growth is fast… but controlled. That's how it should be."
Ashburn nodded. "Yes. One city at a time. No unnecessary exposure."
Faraz closed the file. "I'll prepare the documents and initial contacts for Faisazabad."
"And I'll prepare the mapping routes for our visit," Aisha said.
Ashburn looked at all three of them. "Good. We leave early morning."
The team's next move had been chosen—and the path forward felt precise, grounded, and inevitable.