Later that day, Arjun Sharma stood before his bedroom mirror in his Bandra apartment, the faint buzz of the Midlife Mastery System echoing in his mind. He allocated five attribute points to his Physical Age, reducing it from 42 to 37. A surge of energy coursed through him, his metabolism quickening, his posture straighter. Running a hand through his hair, he noticed slight regrowth, the thinning patches less stark. "Looking younger every day," he muttered, a grin spreading as he caught his sharper reflection, his 73-kg frame and 19% body fat now paired with a youthful vigor.
Meanwhile, Sister Geeta, eager to help Ananya Desai, scrolled through the Pali Hill WhatsApp group, messaging parents about tutoring opportunities. "Ananya's a bright NMIMS student, great with kids!" she typed. Responses flooded in, but none were kind. "We prefer IIT or IIM graduates for our children," one parent replied. "NMIMS isn't top-tier," another added, dismissing Ananya's Technology University background. Geeta sighed, her enthusiasm fading as the group's elitism surfaced. To avoid backlash, she abandoned the tutoring push, her fingers hesitating over her phone.
Ananya, glancing at Geeta's forwarded messages, slumped onto the couch, her face clouded with disappointment. "Maybe I should try factory work," she said, her voice low, thinking of the ₹15,000–₹20,000 monthly pay Geeta had mentioned. Arjun, overhearing from the kitchen, frowned, his protective side flaring. "No factories, Ananya. Those places aren't safe for you," he said firmly, setting down a glass of water. "A student loan's better—low interest, manageable. We'll sort it out." Ananya's eyes met his, a flicker of hope returning.
Geeta, pulling Arjun aside, lowered her voice. "I found a Cashier job for Ananya at the Bandra supermarket—₹15,000 a month. Close by, safe enough." Arjun nodded, relieved. "Good call, Geeta aunty. I can keep an eye on her there." He glanced at Ananya, who was stacking D-Mart chocolates from their haul. "That job's a start, Ananya. We'll still look into that loan."
Ananya, her mind heavy with tuition worries, approached Arjun later, her voice tentative. "Uncle, about the tuition… any other ideas?" Arjun smiled, his tone steady. "We'll apply for a student loan this afternoon, Ananya. I'll help with the paperwork." Her shoulders relaxed, gratitude washing over her. "Thank you, Uncle," she said, her voice thick. The system buzzed, noting her favorability rising 5% to 31%, her trust in Arjun deepening.
A new system task flashed: "Help Ananya secure a student loan. Rewards:Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top Diesel AT 4WD, 10 attribute points, 5% additional favorability with Ananya." Arjun's eyes widened at the car—a far cry from his Maruti 800—but his focus stayed on Ananya's future. As he prepared to leave for the loan office, he reflected on his own school days, stuck with a poorly qualified teacher who'd stumbled through lessons. The memory reinforced his belief in the value of academic credentials, pushing him to guide Ananya toward financial independence.
Ananya, tidying the kitchen, hummed softly, her confidence bolstered by Arjun's support. Priya, still lounging with her phone, ignored the exchange, her disengagement a quiet contrast to Ananya's effort. Arjun grabbed his keys, the system buzzing again: "Task Progress: Efficient reading ongoing. Continue for 15 days to unlock full rewards." Bandra's lively streets called, but Arjun's resolve to secure Ananya's future burned stronger, Smita's looming gym visit a distant concern.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 37 (-5)
Wealth: ₹31,01,390
Strength: 72
Spirit: 66
Props: Knowledge Scroll=6, Electrolyte Drink=8, Protein Shake=2
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient reading
Ananya's Favorability: 31% (+5%)