That evening, Ananya Desai returned to their Bandra apartment, sweating lightly in the warm evening breeze, carrying two large D-Mart bags filled with snacks—roasted cashews, gourmet biscuits, chocolates—and necessities like soap and spices for Priya and herself. Her arms strained under the weight as she set them on the kitchen counter. Priya Sharma, lounging on the sofa with a bandaged leg, glanced up from her phone, smirking. "Wow, Ananya, you're working hard for those snacks," she said, not moving due to her injury. "Dad's really splashing cash post-divorce, huh? I heard he dropped ₹80,000 at Gym, ₹15,000 on Groceries, ₹5,000 on fruits. What's with him?" Ananya shrugged, unpacking chocolates. "He's just generous, Priya."
Ananya made another trip downstairs to help Arjun Sharma carry a bag of drinks—juices and sodas—from the Maruti 800, her effort boosting her favorability by 14% to 16%. Arjun, following with smaller bags, nodded approvingly. "Ananya, you're a lifesaver," he said, noting her gratitude compared to Priya's entitlement. Priya, munching on cashews, rolled her eyes but stayed silent, her leg keeping her on the sofa.
Frustrated by Priya's snack-eating and lack of help, Arjun turned to Ananya, who stood out in her sweat-soaked Kurti, her perfect figure evident. "You're putting in the work, Ananya. Unlike some," he said, glancing at Priya, who felt a pang of inferiority, her fingers pausing on the cashew bag. After showering, Ananya emerged in a casual salwar kameez, its fitted silhouette revealing her striking figure. Arjun and Priya both noticed—Arjun with quiet admiration, Priya with a flicker of envy as she nibbled pickled pepper snacks, her phone forgotten.
Dinner, prepared by Ananya—moong dal khichdi, bhindi masala, aloo baingan, and—filled the apartment with savory aromas, impressing Arjun. "This is restaurant-level, Ananya," he said, earning her a 5% favorability boost to 21% for her cooking skills. Priya, skipping dinner to chat on her phone, missed the meal entirely. Ananya, clearing plates, spoke up. "Sharma ji, I can cook for us regularly if you'd like," she offered, her tone earnest. Arjun's face lit up. "That'd be amazing, Ananya. You're a star." He contrasted her initiative with Priya's idleness, his frustration growing.
Arjun, satisfied with his 73-kg weight and 19% body fat, caught his slimmer reflection in a mirror, pleased but lamenting his thinning hair. "Looking good, but this bald spot's not helping," he muttered, half-smiling. A knock at the door interrupted the meal—Sister Geeta, a nosy neighbor, stood there, her voice loud. "Arjun ji, heard you're buying fancy snacks now!" she called, peering inside. Ananya stepped forward, deflecting her. "Just some treats, Geeta aunty. Want some biscuits?" The system buzzed: "Task Progress: Efficient reading ongoing. Continue for 18 days to unlock full rewards." Ananya's effort and Bandra's lively energy anchored Arjun's resolve to keep his household balanced.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 42 (-)
Wealth: ₹31,01,390
Strength: 72 (+)
Spirit: 64 (+)
Props: Knowledge Scroll=7, Electrolyte Drink=8, Protein Shake=2
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient reading
Ananya's Favorability: 21%