As he savored a bite of pomfret, Arjun's thoughts drifted to beauty standards across generations, a reflection sparked by the lively scene around him.
He mused on how modern Instagram influencers, with their sharp jawlines and slender frames, dominated today's ideals, a stark contrast to his parents' generation, who valued fuller figures and robust features as signs of health and prosperity. Arjun found himself drawn to a balanced ideal—tall stature, graceful posture, fair skin, and a curvaceous form that radiated confidence. Glancing at Ananya, her sleek hair framing her luminous face, and recalling Shalini Patel's poised athleticism at FitZone Gym, he saw this ideal embodied in them, a rare blend of strength and elegance. "Ananya, you're fitting right into Mumbai's vibe," he said with a smile, cracking a crab claw and placing it on her plate. "Eat up—you're part of the family now."
Ananya blushed, her fingers fumbling with the claw. "I'm not used to this, uncle," she said, her voice barely audible over the clatter of plates and chatter of diners. "It's so... fancy." Priya, scrolling through her iPhone 16 Pro, snorted softly. "Fancy? It's just Carter Road, Ananya. You'll get used to it," she said, her tone teasing but edged with a hint of envy. Arjun, noticing Priya's sharper demeanor. "Let her enjoy it, Priya," he said firmly, passing her a piece of calamari. "You're both here to have a good time."
The lively atmosphere shifted as Rakesh Yadav, the brash, chain-wearing leader of a group of four lanky men, swaggered back toward their table, their eyes locked on Ananya. Emboldened by a few drinks, Rakesh leaned in, his voice loud and grating. "Come on, uncle, let us join you. We'll cover the drinks—plenty to share, right?" His companions smirked, one nudging another as they ogled Ananya, who shrank in her seat, her fork trembling. Arjun's Strength stat of 70 surged through him, his protective instincts flaring. He stood, blocking the empty chairs with his broad frame. "I said no. Find your own table," he stated, his voice low but carrying an unmistakable edge.
Rakesh, undeterred, stepped closer, his breath reeking of cheap whiskey. "Relax, man, we're just being friendly. Your girl looks like she could use some company," he sneered, gesturing at Ananya. Priya slammed her phone down, her eyes blazing. "She's not his girl, and she's definitely not yours. Back off," she snapped, her voice cutting through the humid air. Ananya, her face pale, whispered to Arjun, "Uncle, they're scaring me." Arjun's patience snapped. He grabbed Rakesh by the collar, his grip firm as he lifted him slightly, his voice a growl. "You want to share? I'll pour that beer down your throat myself if you don't leave. Now." Rakesh's bravado crumbled, his eyes wide with fear. "Okay, okay! I've got a family, man, don't do this!" he stammered, his companions retreating as Arjun released him, watching them scurry away, humiliated, to a distant table.
The restaurant's din resumed, but Ananya's hands still shook as she clutched her glass. Arjun sat down, his expression softening. "You're safe, Ananya. They won't bother us again," he reassured, peeling a prawn and placing it on her plate. "Try this with the curry—it'll take the edge off." He handed her a chilled mango lassi, noticing her spice-numbed tongue. "Sip this, it'll help." Ananya managed a small smile, sipping gratefully. "Thank you, uncle. I didn't know how to handle them," she said, her voice steadier. Priya, watching the exchange, pouted. "What about me, Dad? No lassi for your actual daughter?" she teased, her tone half-playful, half-petulant. Arjun grinned, deliberately passing her a water glass instead. "You're tough enough to handle the spice, Priya," he quipped, his refusal to coddle her marking a shift in their dynamic. Priya huffed, attacking her crab masala with exaggerated vigor, venting her frustration on the food.
Arjun leaned back, the system's prompt—boost household morale—feeling closer as he watched the girls eat, their laughter slowly returning.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 44 (-)
Wealth: ₹21,13,550
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