The next day.
Alex got up, cleaned up, and felt energized. Today was going to be busy, so he had risen early.
On his way downstairs to make some breakfast, he pulled up the real estate application on his phone. He had made the decision that it was time to purchase a home.
He already had a vehicle and sufficient funds. He just needed a place to live.
Alex had only three demands: it would have to be comfortable to reside in, large enough, and private.
Privacy was essential. Due to his regular trips he made back to the ancient world, he could not afford to have other folks become aware of his arrivals and departures. He also required room to keep what he traveled back and forth with. The last thing he needed was a nosy neighbor or security guard asking questions about strange boxes appearing and disappearing at odd hours.
When he opened his bank account, he found almost $900,000 in it, enough for a villa or a luxurious apartment.
"Money is made to spend," Alex was grumbling to himself with a smile.
He recalled what Rishi and his friends mentioned the day before yesterday, that there were some new villas available for purchase around there.
"Let us go see them today," he decided, more resolute than ever.
--------------
After breakfast, Alex drove directly to the real estate office.
Since he had made a reservation, the staff was waiting for him when he got there.
A young salesman, neatly dressed, approached him with a friendly smile. His name tag said Rajesh Sharma.
Unlike in the web novels that Alex had read, no one here was arrogant or snobbish. Villas that they sold were not for everybody, as most customers were rich or influential, and the sales agents knew better than to antagonize anyone who set foot in the place.
Rajesh did not waste time getting down to business, his manner friendly but professional.
"Good morning, sir. The largest plus point of our villa project is that it is private and luxurious. It is meant for those who appreciate peace and isolation."
He pointed to a big display map at the back.
"Our villas are situated on the shores of Powai Lake, within the National Eco-Zone. The land spans approximately 8 kilometers of lakeside natural area, with water all around it on three sides. The air here is pristine, something not easily found in Mumbai."
"Also, it is just a 40-minute car ride from South Mumbai. We also have clearance for a private helipad for those residents who want to fly in."
Rajesh's presentation was slick and assured. He knew precisely how to play up what was important.
"If you would like, sir, I can give you a tour of our luxury villa. It is open for viewing today."
"Okay, let us do that," Alex replied.
Privacy was just what he currently required.
A couple of minutes later, Alex entered Rajesh's company car, and they drove deeper inside the gated estate.
As they arrived at the villa, Rajesh got out first and pointed with pride to the view.
"Your opinion, sir? The lake view here cannot be matched, and the air is so clean you can taste it."
He indicated the villa ahead of them.
"This is Villa No. 1, or Lotus Crown Villa. It is our flagship property. It was designed by a renowned architect, and the house employs a suspended glass façade that has a 270-degree panoramic view of the lake. Wake up to misty mornings and sleep under the stars."
They entered inside, where the interiors were contemporary but warm.
"All rooms have a fresh-air floor heating system. The walls incorporate natural river pebbles and have received the highest certification for sustainability."
Alex accompanied him from room to room, silently absorbing it all. Rajesh served him a cup of Darjeeling tea while he spoke.
"The garden on the roof can be opened or shut for cultivating tropical flowers and plants. The security system was specifically designed by a specialist company. Biometric access, advanced alerts, and daily drone surveillance within a 10-kilometer radius around the lake are what we employ."
He paused for effect.
"A few years ago, sir, the price for this villa would have been much higher. But with the recent slowdown in the global market, we are offering it at a very attractive rate now."
Rajesh made sure Alex experienced every feature: the automated curtains, the smart kitchen, the quiet study overlooking the water. The service was flawless.
Alex was convinced already. He looked again at the view, then at Rajesh with a serene smile.
"Let us book this one. I will take the Lotus Crown Villa."
Rajesh's eyes went wide.
"Sir... are you certain? The last price of this villa is approximately $790,000, inclusive of taxes, so the total is about $800,000."
He could scarcely believe it. People typically took days to negotiate, going on several tours. But this young man was deciding here and now!
Alex nodded.
"It is perfect. I will pay the full amount today. I have to move in right away for personal reasons."
Rajesh's jaw almost dropped.
"You mean... you are going to pay the full amount upfront?"
Alex nodded again, unmoving.
Rajesh had sold numerous villas previously, but hardly any customers ever paid cash down. Most opted for large home loans, regardless of their wealth.
To pay $800,000 in full? It was virtually unheard of.
Rajesh's professional grin transformed into a radiant smile.
"Sure thing, sir! I will get the agreement prepared immediately. If we act promptly, you may move in today itself."
They signed the deal, stamped the documents, and Alex paid the full amount there and then. Rajesh's tone became even more courteous.
"Mr. Alex, in case you ever need anything whatsoever, here is my direct number. I am also on WhatsApp. Just call me anytime."
Alex nodded respectfully.
"Thanks. I will be in touch."
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Noon.
Following Alex's purchase of the villa, he had a quick lunch at the KFC nearby.
Just when he was done eating, his phone rang yet again. Mrs. Lata was calling for the third time this week.
On the line, Mrs. Lata's voice was full of urgency. She reminded him over and over about the blind date she had set up for him that afternoon. She talked about how he needed to take his future seriously, find a good match, and hopefully give the family two grandchildren within three years.
Alex could only nod along helplessly and keep replying, "Hmm... okay, Auntie... I will go."
3 PM.
Alex timed his arrival perfectly at the meeting place, a decent café tucked in a bustling lane in Bandra.
He got a seat near the window and had a black coffee ordered.
When he was just about to stir some sugar, the café door opened and in came someone who made everyone in the café turn their heads.
She was dressed in a smartly fitted navy JK-style uniform, her feet light, posture erect, and her presence serene yet striking. The pleated skirt swayed gently with each step, and the crisp white collar was trimmed with delicate gold embroidery that caught the afternoon light.
Cafés in Mumbai had witnessed all sorts of college fashion, but if a person carried off a JK look so smoothly, elegant, clean, and tailored-fit, the spotlight was all hers the moment she walked in. It was clear this was not just casual wear. This was someone who understood cosplay and character fashion at a deeper level, someone who appreciated the art of presentation.
Some girls at a table nearby whispered amongst themselves, sneaking glances at her.
"Oh my god, look at that outfit! She is so pretty!"
"Right? She looks like an actress... in fact, even film stars do not possess this classy look."
"I swear, I also wish for a JK uniform like hers. It is so adorable and chic-looking!"
"Forget it, that is custom-made. Did you notice the gold embroidery around the collar? That is designer work, no? One piece can cost more than $1,200!"
"$1,200?! For one outfit? That is my whole annual internship stipend!"
Several other patrons who had been quietly sipping cappuccinos felt instantly shabby by contrast. They cast down their eyes, fidgeting awkwardly in their plain t-shirts and jeans.
It could not be denied, however. At that instant, the girl in the black JK uniform was the belle of the café, a vision of elegance and carefully crafted style that spoke of someone who took her interests seriously, whether it was fashion, cosplay, or simply making an unforgettable first impression.
Who was she?