Arjun Sharma sat at the small dining table in their modest Bandra apartment, the distant hum of Mumbai's evening traffic filtering through the open window, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed chai from a nearby street vendor. He had always hoped his daughter, Priya Sharma, would follow a stable path, perhaps attending a reputable university like Mumbai University to pursue a teaching career, envisioning her as a respected educator in a suburban school with a steady income and job security. But his hopes were dented when Priya's college entrance exam score, just over 500, fell short of Mumbai University's cutoff and even the targeted teachers' training college in Thane. Despite the reliable income and stability a teaching job at a local municipal school could offer, Priya rejected the idea outright, her eyes set on a renewable energy major at a well-regarded institute in Mumbai, a choice that clashed with Arjun's practical advice. "It's the future, Dad," she had insisted, her voice brimming with conviction, undeterred by his concerns about the field's uncertainty.
To celebrate her admission, Priya, still hobbling slightly from her ankle sprain, requested an iPhone 16 Pro (₹1,20,000) and a MacBook Air M3 (₹1,50,000), her eyes sparkling with excitement as she scrolled through tech reviews on her old phone. Arjun, though frustrated by the Midlife Mastery System's modest 100% cashback rate—offering no additional reward for such a hefty purchase—relented, driven by his love for her. At the bustling electronics store in Linking Road, he handed over his card, the transaction stinging as he thought of the system's ungenerous return. His phone pinged: "SBI: ₹2,70,000 debited. Balance: ₹18,48,750." SBI: ₹2,70,000 credited. Balance: ₹21,18,750." Back home, Priya, propped up on the couch with her bandaged ankle elevated, was already immersed in her new devices, her fingers flying across the iPhone's screen while the MacBook hummed softly, its sleek design a stark contrast to the cluttered living room. Empty chai cups and snack wrappers littered the table, a mess Arjun quietly tidied, his brow furrowed with a mix of pride and exasperation.
"Priya, have you told your mother about your admission?" Arjun asked, wiping down the table. Priya shrugged, her focus on her phone. "I'll message her." Arjun was surprised as he discovered Meera had blocked him on WhatsApp and phone, a lingering sting from their contentious divorce. Priya, however, managed to send a message, only to receive a curt reply from Meera, blaming Arjun for her struggles and offering no congratulations. When Priya, emboldened by her excitement, asked for a celebratory gift, Meera claimed she had no money, directing her to ask her father instead. Arjun, knowing he had given Meera ₹5,00,000 in their divorce settlement, urged Priya to call her, hoping to expose Meera's dismissive attitude. But Priya, upset by her mother's refusal, turned defensive, her voice sharp. "It's because of you she's like this, Dad. Your financial struggles back then ruined everything," she said, her words cutting deep as she blamed Arjun for the divorce, unaware of his sacrifices.
Frustrated by her reaction, Arjun retreated to the balcony, the Mumbai skyline twinkling under a starlit sky, the distant sound of a street performer's flute weaving through the air. His phone buzzed with a new notification from the Midlife Mastery System, its presence still a secret he guarded closely: "Task: Read efficiently for one hour daily for 30 days. Reward: Mental and physical improvements, +5 attribute points to Strength and Spirit." Arjun exhaled, the task offering a glimmer of purpose amidst the family tension.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 47 (-)
Wealth: ₹21,18,750
Strength: 70 (+)
Spirit: 50 (+)
Props: Knowledge Scroll=9, Electrolyte Drink=12, Protein Shake=3
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides