The rhythmic crash of Juhu Beach's waves provided a soothing backdrop as Arjun Sharma and Shalini Patel continued their walk, the Mahindra Thar gleaming in the distance. The morning air carried the salty tang of the sea, mingling with the faint aroma of street-side bhel puri. Arjun's mind buzzed with a new Midlife Mastery System notification: "Impressed Shalini with your improved image—reward: 10 Lakh rupees. Wealth now ₹32,51,390. Stats updated: Physical Age: 37, Spirit: 66." The boost, a recognition of his youthful transformation, filled him with quiet pride, his Strength at 72 a testament to his journey.
Shalini, walking beside him, suddenly stopped, her eyes widening as she studied his face. "Arjun Sir, did you get plastic surgery?" she asked, her tone a mix of awe and disbelief. His sharper cheekbones and thicker hair, once hidden under corporate stress, now stood out. Arjun chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Shalini. It's your coaching, a quick salon visit, and some lifestyle changes—nothing more." Her pride swelled, a smile breaking through. "I knew my workouts would pay off!" she exclaimed, her confidence in her training validated.
Earlier, Shalini had seen Arjun as too old at 45, a gap that made her hesitant. Now, his vibrant energy pegged him as a youthful 30-something, narrowing the divide. She bit her lip, regret creeping in. "I shouldn't have promised to introduce you to Shreya," she muttered, rethinking her matchmaking. As they strolled, Shalini edged closer, the social distance shrinking to under ten centimeters. She admired his fuller hair and lively stride, attributing it to his post-corporate healthy habits—Ola rides, gym sessions, and balanced meals. "You're a different man, Arjun Sir," she said softly, her voice tinged with admiration.
Their peaceful walk was shattered when a boy on a Bicycle veered off course, crashing into Shalini. She yelped as her ankle twisted, a bruise blooming on her calf. Arjun reacted instantly, steadying her with one arm while glaring at the boy. "Hey, stop!" he called, but the kid darted off, disappearing into the crowd. "Are you okay?" Arjun asked, his voice laced with concern. Shalini winced, rubbing her ankle. "It's just a sprain, I think." He frowned. "We should report this to the police—a hit-and-run." She shook her head. "Too much hassle, Arjun Sir. Let's just get it checked." Reluctantly, he agreed, insisting on a hospital visit.
To save time, Arjun bent down. "Hop on, Shalini—I'll carry you." She hesitated, then climbed onto his back, her light 45-kilogram frame pressing against him. The absence of a bra beneath her workout top created an awkward yet intimate moment, her breath warm against his neck. His increased strength, honed by the system, made the task effortless. Shalini laughed through the pain. "Your core strength is incredible, Arjun Sir! My training's turned you into a rock—better than those construction workers who rely on bulk."
He carried her toward the Thar, parked a short distance away. As they approached, Shalini's eyes widened. "That's yours, Arjun Sir?" she gasped, the car's sleek lines drawing envious stares from passersby who whispered about the "rich man" with a beautiful woman. She'd assumed he still drove his old Maruti. "I sold the Maruti," he explained, setting her down gently. "Planning to use the Thar for Ola rides." Her confusion deepened. "But this luxury… and you're still driving for Ola ?" Arjun smiled. "Keeps me grounded, Shalini. Wealth's just a tool." The Thar's door opened with a soft click, its interior a stark contrast to her earlier perceptions, leaving her marveling at his modest yet affluent life.