The last thing Rohan remembered was the screech of tires and the smell of burnt rubber. Then, darkness. Not a cold darkness, but a warm, pulsating void that felt like being submerged in honey.[SYSTEM INITIALIZING...]
[MERGING REALITIES: 84%... 92%... 100%]
[HOST SOUL DETECTED: ROHAN SHARMA (CRICKET ENTHUSIAST)]
[NEW IDENTITY ALLOCATED: ROHAN MEHTA (ORPHAN)]
[LOCATION: GOKULDHAM SOCIETY, POWAI, MUMBAI]Rohan opened his eyes. The ceiling was white, decorated with a simple spinning fan. The air smelled of incense and... diet food?"He's waking up! Tarak, look!" a soft, feminine voice cried out.Rohan turned his head. His breath hitched. Sitting beside him was a woman with a kind face and spectacles—Anjali Mehta. Behind her stood a man with a thin mustache and an expression of profound relief—Tarak Mehta.Wait, Rohan thought, his mind racing. This is TMKOC. But the TV isn't on. I can feel the humidity. I can hear the distant honking of Mumbai traffic. This is real."How are you feeling, beta?" Tarak asked, leaning in. His voice was exactly like the show, yet layered with a depth of genuine fatherly anxiety he'd never seen on screen."I... I'm okay," Rohan croaked. His voice sounded younger, perhaps fourteen or fifteen.[QUEST UPDATED: A New Beginning]
[OBJECTIVE: Accept the bond with your new guardians.]
[REWARD: 100 Skill Points (SP), Unlock Trait Slot #1]The memories flooded in. In this world, the Mehtas had visited the 'Asha Kiran' orphanage six months ago. They had felt an instant connection with Rohan, a quiet boy who spent every waking hour staring at the cricket matches on the common room TV. They had officially adopted him yesterday, but he had fainted upon entering the house."Don't push yourself," Anjali said, stroking his hair. "The doctor said it was just the excitement. You're home now, Rohan. This is your room."Rohan looked around. In the corner of the room stood a brand-new cricket kit bag. His heart hammered against his ribs. In his past life, he was a failed club player. In this life, he had the Mehtas—and he had the System."Thank you... Mom. Dad," Rohan whispered.[QUEST COMPLETE: +100 SP]
[TRAIT UNLOCKED: 'Writer's Discipline' (Inherited from Tarak Mehta) – Increases focus during training by 15%.]