He poured purified water into a pan for the chutney, emphasizing health. "Always use filtered water, Ananya. Keeps us strong." He added a dash of chili paste to the masala, knowing their shared love for spice. "Careful with Priya, though—she's a bear in the morning if you wake her."
Ananya, her sleek hair tied back, nodded eagerly, jotting mental notes. "I've never seen anyone cook like this, uncle," she said, her voice soft but curious. "At home, it was just rice and whatever we could afford." Her eyes widened at the spread—crisp omelets, chutney, and Buns—marveling at the luxury of Arjun's lifestyle: central AC, abundant food, a spacious flat compared to her cramped Khar room. "This feels like a dream," she added, helping him flip an omelet. Arjun chuckled, cracking two eggs for her and five for himself, their yolks sizzling on the pan. "You'll get used to it. Just keep up with those accounting studies at NMIMS, and you'll have your own kitchen like this one day."
They sat at the dining table, the omelets steaming as Arjun scrolled through his phone, bored with repetitive fitness influencer videos. His interest shifted to sleek car reviews, lingering on a Tata Harrier, its bold design tempting him with his ₹21,21,350 wealth. "Maybe it's time for an upgrade from the Maruti," he mused aloud, sipping chai. Ananya, nibbling her omelet, tilted her head. "A new car, uncle? That sounds so fancy!" Arjun laughed. "Not fancy, just practical. Mumbai traffic's a beast—need something sturdy." Their banter paused as Ananya cleared the plates, her meticulous cleaning extending to the living room—tidying cushions, wiping surfaces—not to curry favor but to express gratitude. "I want to help while I'm here, waiting for college," she said, her clear voice cutting through the morning quiet. Arjun nodded, impressed. "You're making this place shine, Ananya."
Priya, her morning grumpiness a known hazard. Arjun, mindful of the system's mission to boost Ananya's favorability (now 12%), appreciated her gentle demeanor, a contrast to Priya's sharp Mumbai edge. Later, he settled on the couch, activating a Knowledge Scroll, the system's interface flashing: "Knowledge Scroll activated. Reading efficiency boosted 100-fold. Props: Knowledge Scroll=7." He dove into Inferiority and Transcendence by Alfred Adler and The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, finishing both in an hour, their insights into self-worth and discipline sharpening his mind but making him wary of overcomplicating talks with the girls. The system updated: "Task Progress: Efficient reading completed. Spirit +2 to 64. Wealth +₹1,500 for reading, +₹500 for nutritious breakfast. Total: ₹21,23,350." He forgot to log a fitness meal for his trainer Shalini Patel, who texted a gentle reminder: "Sharma ji, don't skip the meal logs! Consistency's key."
Arjun stood, stretching his 76-kilogram frame, feeling youthful at 42. Ananya, finishing the kitchen cleanup, smiled shyly. "Can I learn more recipes, uncle? I want to be useful," she said. Arjun's heart warmed, seeing her as a daughter-like figure. "Tomorrow, we'll try my aloo paratha. Deal?" Ananya nodded, her enthusiasm infectious. The system pinged: "Mission Progress: Ananya's favorability +2% (now 14%)." As Mumbai's morning pulse—rickshaws honking, vendors calling—filled the air, Arjun felt anchored by his transformation, ready to guide Ananya and navigate Priya's complexities.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 42 (-)
Wealth: ₹21,23,350
Strength: 70 (+)
Spirit: 64 (+)
Props: Knowledge Scroll=7, Electrolyte Drink=10, Protein Shake=2
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient reading