The first light of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains of Arjun Sharma's Andheri home, casting a gentle glow across the living room as the clock ticked toward 6 a.m. The faint, earthy aroma of dew-soaked earth mingled with the lingering scent of last night's mountain tea, a nostalgic reminder of quieter times. Arjun stirred awake, his body still humming with the newfound strength from the previous night's attribute boost. Ananya joined him moments later, her disciplined routine evident in the way she moved—quietly folding a blanket, her movements precise and purposeful. Her presence impressed him, a stark contrast to the overworked tech workers he'd once envied, their faces etched with exhaustion. Together, they planned a simple yet nourishing breakfast: fresh bread toasted to a golden crisp, fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with a hint of turmeric, and warm milk infused with a dash of cardamom. The quiet clatter of pans and the sizzle of butter hitting the skillet filled the kitchen, a soothing symphony that set the tone for the day.
To Arjun's surprise, Priya emerged from her room earlier than usual, her hair tousled and eyes bleary, clutching a notebook. "Rohan Malhotra set up an internship for me," she mumbled, a rare spark of responsibility in her voice. Arjun nodded, his expression warm but firm. "That's good, Priya. Stay safe and be punctual—call if you need anything." He offered no fuss, his acceptance a silent support as she shuffled to get ready. Meanwhile, Arjun settled into a worn armchair, retrieving a Knowledge Scroll from his props. With a focused breath, he activated it, diving into a 400-page book on leadership and personal growth. The scroll's magic sharpened his mind, and within an hour, he absorbed every word, his Spirit rising to 68. His thoughts felt clearer, the mental fog of previous days lifting, revealing a sharper perspective on his goals and relationships.
Priya joined them, her attention drifting to her phone, likely replaying last night's gaming triumphs, her minimal engagement a quiet frustration for Arjun. He turned his focus to Ananya, admiring her diligent habits—how she wiped the counter clean, arranged the plates with care, and poured milk with a steady hand. The meal passed in a mix of comfortable silence and light chatter, the warmth of the food mirroring the growing bond between Arjun and Ananya.
After breakfast, they stepped outside to the community gate, where the Mahindra Thar awaited, its sleek black frame gleaming under the morning sun. The car, a symbol of Arjun's rising status, drew immediate attention. Residents paused, their eyes widening with admiration. Mr. Daksh, leaning against his modest Alto, grinned broadly. "Arjun bhai, from that Maruti to this beauty? Divorce must be treating you well!" he teased, his voice carrying a mix of envy and awe. The Thar, valued between 16 lakh and 20 lakhs rupees, stood as a testament to Arjun's success, its polished curves reflecting the soft light. Priya, oblivious to its worth, snapped a photo and texted her mother, "Dad's driving the boss's car now?" Arjun caught the message over her shoulder but chose not to correct her, a small smile playing on his lips.
Mr. Daksh, ever the comparer, chimed in again, "This Thar outshines car Rohan's been flaunting—better build, better Look. And with Shalini around, you're the talk of the town!" His envy was palpable, tinged with admiration for Arjun's youthful vigor and rumored connection with Shalini, the Fitzon Gym trainer. Arjun shrugged modestly, downplaying the car's hype. "It's just a ride," he said aloud, though internally he relished the prestige it brought, letting the vehicle's silent elegance speak for his achievements without boasting. The attention boosted his confidence, a quiet pride settling in his chest.
As they prepared to part ways, Priya turned to him with a hopeful look. "Dad, can you drop me at the internship?" Arjun shook his head gently. "Take a taxi, Priya—it's safer, and I need to ensure Ananya's okay at home alone." His decision prioritized Ananya's safety over Priya's convenience, a subtle shift in his familial focus. Later, Ananya borrowed the Thar for a quick errand, pulling into Dmart Supermarket's parking lot. Her boss, Mr. Gao, a stout man with a perpetual frown, emerged from the store, his jaw dropping at the sight of the luxury vehicle. "That's Arjun's, isn't it?" he muttered, his assumption elevating Arjun's perceived wealth and status among the staff, who whispered excitedly behind him.