After helping Bushra with the peas and pocketing the soft chime of the ₹100 reward, Arahan washed his hands, adjusted his shirt, and stepped out onto the dusty lane of Varnapur.
The sun had begun its descent, casting long amber shadows across the quiet village streets. He tucked the ₹800 tightly into a small folded slip inside his shirt pocket—his advance payment for the month's groceries.
It didn't take long to reach the rations shop at the next lane—Kavita's store, a narrow but busy place stacked with sacks of rice, flour, lentils, jars of pickles, soaps, and even biscuits Akash loved.
The iron shutter was pulled halfway up. As Arahan stepped closer, he paused at the doorway.
Kavita, standing on a wooden stool, was stretching to place a heavy-looking box of cashew packets on the upper shelf. Her dupatta hung loosely over one shoulder, and a few strands of her dark hair clung to her breast from the sweat.
The sunlight filtered through the tin roof, casting golden stripes across her strong arms and determined face. Her three-year-old son, Surendra, sat in the corner, playing with an empty snack wrapper, calling out, "Mummy, careful!"
Arahan watched for a second, eyes narrowing slightly.
That box looked too heavy for her frame.
The shop smelled faintly of roasted grains and cardamom. Arahan stepped in silently, eyes fixed on Kavita—still balancing on her toes, struggling to slot the last cashew box onto the high shelf.
Her sky-blue kameez clung to her back with the heat, and as she reached higher, the edge of her salwar pulled slightly, revealing the curve of her lower back. From where he stood, he could see the gentle sway of her hips as she tried to maintain balance.
One slip, and the whole stack could come crashing down.
Arahan opened his mouth to call out—
[Ding!]
[New Task Generated]
Catch Kavita by the waist before she falls. Let your hands explore subtly while steadying her. Whisper something teasing.
She'll test your boldness. Hold her steady, confident.
Reward: ₹500 | +0.2 Agility | +0.2 Lust | +5 Relationship
Note: Kavita values strength and presence. Don't falter—act fast and smooth.
Kavita may react playfully or seriously… depending on how natural you are.
Arahan's breath slowed. He was looking for a task like this. Although before the system came, he still looked at her like a friend.
But now, there is something more.
Moreover, he also knew about her family situation. His husband was a drinker, and didn't do anything all day. Only drinking.
Her life was also not so good. So, he started thinking deeply about helping her.
Kavita stretched just a little higher, her fingers barely grazing the shelf edge. The box of cashews wobbled in her grip, her balance faltering—
"Whoa—careful," Arahan said as he stepped forward swiftly.
She let out a startled gasp just as her foot slipped off the edge of the wooden stool.
But Arahan arms caught her by the waist, pulling her body firmly against his. The box clattered safely to the floor beside them, but neither noticed.
Kavita's breath caught.
Arahan's hands were strong—one pressed against the small of her back, the other lightly cradling her side. She wasn't hurt, but she didn't move. Their bodies were close. Closer than they'd ever been.
"You know," Arahan murmured near her ear, his voice low and steady, "for someone who runs a whole shop, you're really bad at asking for help."
Kavita blinked up at him—eyes wide, lips parted.
The air between them crackled.
She gave a small, surprised laugh, her palm lightly smacking his chest. "Oh? And you're good at sneaking in like this? Huh, hero?"
Arahan smirked, but didn't pull away. His fingers lingered just a little too long—his thumb brushing the back curve of her waist, drawing a soft inhale from her.
"You have a nice waist," He compliments her.
Hearing this, she stepped back a moment later, cheeks flushed.
"How can you tease me?" She said, avoiding his gaze as she picked up the fallen box. "But… thanks."
[Task Completed!]
+₹500 (System Wallet: ₹2900 → ₹3400)
+0.2 Agility (3.0 → 3.2 / 10)
+0.2 Lust (2.0 → 2.2 / 10)
+5 Relationship with Kavita (4 → 9/100: Growing Curiosity)
It was 3700, but after he took it out, it became 2900.
Kavita placed the box aside, Surendra peeked from behind a grain sack, wide-eyed.
"Mummy almost fell!" he exclaimed.
Arahan crouched and ruffled the boy's hair. "But your mummy's tough. And her waist also," he added with a grin toward Kavita.
Hearing this, she became a little blushed, hiding her smile, then cleared her throat. "So? You just came to flirt with me or you're actually here for something?"
"I came to give the month's advance," Arahan replied, pulling out the ₹800. "This should last me for some time."
Kavita took the notes and carefully counted them, nodding. "Why are you giving this in advance?"
"Because, I don't want to get a burden for it."
She didn't say more, but as Arahan turned to leave, her eyes followed him for a moment longer than usual.
---
The morning sun had risen fully now, casting golden streaks across the thatched rooftops of Varnapur. The scent of cow dung, wood smoke, and fresh parathas lingered faintly in the breeze as Arahan made his way down the narrow lane toward the village school.
His satchel swung at his side. Inside were notebooks, a couple of chalk pieces, and the attendance register he never forgot. His mood was light—his wallet heavier than ever, his steps unhurried.
Children ran past him barefoot, laughing with schoolbags bouncing on their backs.
"Uncle!" one of the younger boys shouted, waving at him before darting toward the school gate.
"Wait, you forgot your slate!" a girl chased behind.
The familiar chaos made him smile.
The village primary school was a modest building—whitewashed walls, tin sheet roofing, and painted murals of the alphabet and animals on every wall. One classroom for each standard, grades 1 to 5.
He stepped inside the compound, greeting a few of the staff along the way, before heading to his own corner: Class 1.
But as he turned the corner—
He nearly collided with someone stepping out of the corridor.
He stopped just in time.
It was Sabnam.
Her purple designer saree clung to her figure in the breeze, the embroidered blouse sleeveless today. A thin line of kohl traced her almond eyes, and her lips were touched faintly with gloss. As always, she wore no bindi—just a delicate chain around her neck that sparkled when the sun hit.
She raised one eyebrow. "You're early today, Arahan."
"Because I see you early," Arahan replied back.
[Ding!]
[New Task Generated]
Compliment Teacher Sabnam sincerely on her appearance.
Reward: ₹100 | +0.1 Charm | +1 Relationship
Note: Be confident. Timing and tone matter.
"When you become so flirty?" Sabnam asked him, but she was happy with his answer.
"Because you look so beautiful… especially in the purple saree. Except for you, no one deserves this saree." Arahan replied back.
Hearing it, Sabnam blinked, her file lowering slightly.
Her lips parted—just a little. And a smile appeared on it.
"I mean it," he added, maintaining eye contact. "You look incredible today, ma'am."
There was a pause. Just a flicker of silence.
Then she gave a small, unreadable smile. "Hmm. Trying to flatter your way out of work?"
Arahan grinned. "No, that's tomorrow's strategy."
She laughed—light, almost involuntary—and shook her head as she turned down the hall. "Get to class, loverboy. And don't let the kids walk all over you."
He watched her walk away, her hips swaying gently under the flow of her saree.
[Task Completed!]
+₹100 (System Wallet: ₹2900 → ₹3000)
+0.1 Charm (7.0 → 7.2 / 10)
+1 Relationship with Sabnam (9 → 10/100: Silent Tension)
Arahan slipped into his classroom with a slight smirk, brushing chalk dust off the blackboard.
---
The classroom was already buzzing with energy when Arahan stepped inside.
Wooden benches, worn with years of small elbows and scribbles, were filled with tiny students in faded uniforms. Some stood on their seats, others giggled in clusters, and one child was picking at a wall crack with deep concentration.
"Good morning, everyone," Arahan said, his voice firm but warm.
"Good morning, Sir!" they chorused—some late, some too loud, one girl still mid-yawn.
He picked up a piece of white chalk, wrote the date neatly on the blackboard, then turned back to the class.
"Alright," he said, smiling slightly, "today we're starting with Maths. Who here can tell me how many legs a dog has?"
"Four!" a boy shouted before anyone else could.
"And how many legs do two dogs have?" Arahan asked.
"Eight!" came the chorus of replies.
"Good! So if you see three dogs, and two run away… how many legs are still there?"
Silence.
Then giggles.
"They don't leave their legs behind, Sir!" a girl exclaimed, her pigtails bouncing.
Arahan chuckled. "Exactly. Trick question. So always read the whole problem before answering. Got it?"
They nodded. Some were still giggling.
He moved to the next topic—Science basics—drawing the sun, the moon, and a stick-figure tree.
"What do trees give us?"
"Fruits!"
"Shade!"
"Sticks!"
"Oxygen!" one bright boy yelled, proud.
Arahan raised an eyebrow. "What's oxygen?"
"Uhhh…" the boy blinked, then grinned. "Something we breathe but can't see!"
"Smart," Arahan nodded. "Keep that brain of yours. Don't trade it for extra lunch."
The lunch bell rang, signaling the break.
Chairs screeched across cement floors as students bolted out of classrooms, lunchboxes clutched in tiny hands.
The quiet hum of midday heat settled over the school as teachers stretched their legs and headed for the staff room or shaded corners of the corridor.
Arahan packed up the chalk, dusted off his hands, and stepped into the corridor—only to nearly bump into someone soft and familiar.