The next Day, Arjun Sharma took a rare break from his rigorous fitness routine at FitZone Gym, the morning sun casting a golden glow over Bandra's bustling streets as he messaged his trainer, Shalini Patel, to inform her he'd be dining out with family. Shalini, a 24-year-old sports science graduate with a poised demeanor, replied promptly, encouraging him to rest. "You're killing it, Sharma ji. Your progress is unreal—enjoy the break," she texted, her professional tone laced with warmth. She appreciated Arjun's kindness, evident in his thoughtful gestures like the electrolyte drinks, but their 21-year age gap kept their bond strictly platonic. When Vikram Singh, a fellow coach with a persistent crush, invited her to dinner, she declined with a smile, promising to treat him to chai later, her focus firmly on her career.
Arjun, behind the wheel of his Maruti 800, navigated Mumbai's lively roads toward Carter Road, a vibrant coastal stretch famous for its affordable, flavorful seafood stalls. Priya Sharma, still hobbling slightly from her healing ankle sprain, sat in the back, her iPhone 16 Pro glowing as she scrolled through social media. Ananya Desai, in the passenger seat, clutched her modest suitcase, her newly styled hair gleaming under the streetlights, her eyes wide with anticipation. At a popular open-air eatery run by Raju Bhai, a jovial owner who recognized Arjun as a regular from his Ola rides, they secured a table amidst a lively crowd, the air thick with the aroma of grilled prawns and masala fish fry. Raju Bhai, wiping his hands on his apron, mistook Ananya for Arjun's daughter, exclaiming, "Your girl's stunning, bhai!" Arjun chuckled, clarifying, "She's my goddaughter, Ananya." Priya, her expression souring, muttered about the "lowly" roadside setting, expecting a fancier restaurant like those in Bandra's upscale lanes.
Ananya, unaccustomed to dining out on her meager ₹3,000 monthly budget, was awed by the vibrant scene—the sizzle of tawa-fried prawns, the chatter of families, the distant crash of waves. Her gratitude contrasted sharply with Priya's complaints, prompting Arjun to counter his daughter's attitude with a lavish order: five seafood dishes—butter garlic prawns, tandoori pomfret, crab masala, fish curry, and fried calamari—costing ₹3,500. His phone pinged: "SBI: ₹3,500 debited. Balance: ₹21,14,250." "It's a feast, girls. Dig in," he urged, his tone warm but firm, encouraging Ananya to indulge despite her shyness, wary of upsetting Priya. Ananya, her eyes sparkling, took small bites, savoring the flavors, while Priya picked at her food, her mood dampened by the casual setting.
As they ate, Arjun reflected on his social circle, his peers struggling with midlife monotony or financial strain, while his old college classmates, now successful in Mumbai's corporate world, felt distant. The Midlife Mastery System, a secret fueling his ₹21,14,250 wealth and chiseled 81-kilogram physique, set him apart, empowering him to support Priya and Ananya in ways others couldn't. His phone buzzed with a system notification: "Task Progress: Efficient reading ongoing. Continue for 26 days to unlock full rewards."
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 44 (-)
Wealth: ₹21,14,250
Strength: 71 (+)
Spirit: 60 (+)
Props: Knowledge Scroll=8, Electrolyte Drink=10, Protein Shake=2
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient reading