Chapter Three: Between Two Worlds
Arpit woke up at exactly 6:00 a.m., not from an alarm, but from sheer habit. His body had long since adapted to his early coaching schedule. But today… something was different.
Instead of springing out of bed, Arpit found himself lazily stretching, his body melting into the silky embrace of a luxury mattress. The pillows cradled his head like clouds, and the warmth of the room was calibrated to perfection. He didn't want to move.
After fifteen indulgent minutes of stretching and sinking back into the bed, Arpit finally pulled himself up and slipped into a soft robe. He stepped out into the hallway and made his way toward the dining hall.
As he approached, he caught the aroma of freshly prepared breakfast—spices, ghee, toasted bread, and sweet cardamom. In the elegant dining space, chefs in white uniforms were arranging dishes with utmost precision.
Arpit, having been raised in a vegetarian household, had strictly instructed that no meat be served. The staff, it seemed, had taken that command seriously.
Sebastien, ever punctual and ever graceful, bowed slightly. "Good morning, Master Arpit. Please, have a seat."
Arpit sat, though his mind was elsewhere—his thoughts tangled with questions about how to explain all of this to his friends. Would they believe him? Could they? What should he say?
Sebastien cleared his throat gently. "Ahem."
Snapped from his thoughts, Arpit looked down to find three beautiful, colorful dishes placed before him. The chefs had outdone themselves.
He took a bite.
He nearly melted.
He ate the first plate in silence, then moved to the second, then the third. Every bite tasted like heaven.
After finishing, he stood, nodded politely to the staff, and made his way back to his room. Inside the attached bathroom, he stopped short.
It was enormous—more spa than bathroom. The transparent shower enclosure had jets installed across the ceiling and walls, spraying water from every direction with digital precision. Arpit stepped inside and let himself be consumed by the experience. It was the first time he had enjoyed bathing as a luxury, not just a chore.
Wrapped again in his robe, he opened a sleek wardrobe embedded in the wall. Inside was a massive selection of clothes—formalwear, streetwear, and a coaching t-shirt, pressed and fresh.
He smiled, pulled on the t-shirt, and gave a quick comb through his semi-curly hair. When he stepped out, Sebastien was waiting.
The butler frowned slightly. "Master Arpit… your appearance is honest, but somewhat uninspired. Allow me."
Before Arpit could argue, Sebastien adjusted his hair into a neater style, handed him a pair of tailored dark trousers that matched his shirt better, and presented him with a subtle wristwatch.
Arpit turned—and his jaw dropped.
Behind Sebastien stood a large wall-mounted case filled with watches—antique timepieces, luxury models, even rare limited editions. Some were worth more than entire cars.
He grabbed one at random, too overwhelmed to think. Sebastien gently took it and resized it to Arpit's wrist.
"Shall we go to the garage?"
They descended.
The driver stood beside the white Rolls Royce Mansory.
"Um…" Arpit hesitated. "Sebastien, I know how to drive. Can I… drive myself today?"
The driver visibly panicked. Sebastien raised a concerned brow.
"With all due respect, Master Arpit, for your safety—"
"I'll take the back roads. No one will notice. I promise."
A tense pause. Then Sebastien gave a resigned nod. "Very well. But please—drive cautiously. The car is armored, at least."
Arpit pulled out slowly from the gate, his hands steady on the wheel. He stuck to alleyways and quieter streets, avoiding attention. Finally, he reached his coaching center and parked discreetly in the teachers' area.
No one noticed him as he walked through the main entrance. He swiped his ID and headed to Room 301—third floor, first classroom.
As he entered, he spotted his two closest friends, Raman and Ansh, seated at their usual spot—the last bench, right corner. It was the girls' side, but no girls ever dared sit that far back. Too easy for teachers to single out.
"Yo," Arpit said, walking over and slapping a high-five.
Ansh looked him up and down. "Bro, what's with you? New hair? New vibe? You look like you came straight from a movie shoot."
Arpit grinned. "I showered. Amazing, right?"
They burst out laughing.
Just then, Arpit's phone vibrated. He pulled it out—his silver titanium S25 Ultra.
The caller ID: Sebastien.
He picked up.
"Master Arpit," Sebastien's voice came through gently, "do you have everything you need? Did you reach safely? Should I send an escort discreetly to observe from a distance?"
"I'm fine, Sebastien. No need. I'll contact you if I need anything."
"Very well. Enjoy your classes, Master."
As Arpit ended the call, Ansh's mouth was wide open. "What—was that your phone?!"
Raman turned, confused. "What's going on?"
Ansh grabbed Raman's head and physically turned it toward Arpit's phone.
"Dude. Titanium silver. S25 Ultra. This isn't even on the market yet."
The guys on the bench beside them overheard and leaned in.
"Wait. Is that real?"
"Where'd you get that?!"
"Brooo, party toh banta hai!"
Arpit stood up and chuckled. "Recess time. Cafeteria. Party's on me."
More cheers.
Class started—but studying wasn't the focus today. Arpit and Ansh spent most of the session playing games on the phone, hiding the screen under the desk.
Raman, meanwhile, leaned in and whispered, "No seriously. That's not your usual phone. What's going on? New money? Inheritance? Mafia dad?"
Arpit smirked. "I'll tell you everything. After coaching."
Today… was fun.
Not because of the car. Or the food. Or the luxury.
But because even in this strange new life—he still had his people.
[End of Chapter Three]