That afternoon, Arjun Sharma stood in his Bandra apartment, the Midlife Mastery System humming faintly in his mind. His Physical Age, already reduced to 37, continued to invigorate him, his energy steady, his slight hair regrowth more noticeable in the sunlight streaming through the window. Running a hand over his scalp, he smiled, feeling the vitality enhance his life's possibilities—more Ola rides, sharper gym sessions, and a renewed sense of purpose. "This is just the start," he murmured, his 73-kg frame and 19% body fat reflecting a man reborn, ready to tackle Ananya's challenges.
In the living room, Priya Sharma lounged on the couch, her bandaged leg propped up, scrolling her phone. Learning Ananya Desai would start as a cashier at D-Mart for ₹15,000 a month, she scoffed, her tone sharp. "A cashier job? That's so low-class, Ananya." Her eyes gleamed as she texted Rohan Malhotra, an NMIMS classmate interning at a car company. "Rohan's coming over tonight," she said, smirking. "He's been extra attentive since you moved in." Ananya ignored the jab, her focus on tidying the kitchen.
Rohan, during a call with Priya, suggested a ₹60,000/month internship at his car company for Ananya, his tone eager. "It's in automotive software—perfect for her tech degree," he said, his interest in Ananya clear. Priya laughed, teasing, "What, got a crush already? Convince Dad first." At the company, operations director Rhea Malhotra assigned urgent tasks to other interns but let Rohan, the general manager's son, sit idle. "Rohan, stick to software development or design," Rhea said, nodding at his electrical engineering background. "Core teams need your skills." Rohan, distracted by thoughts of Ananya, nodded absently.
Priya, later that evening, pitched Rohan offer to Arjun as he sipped an Electrolyte Drink (Props: Electrolyte Drink=7). "Rohan says Ananya could earn ₹60,000 a month at his company, Dad. Better than D-Mart," she said, her tone smug. Arjun, wiping his brow, considered it but prioritized safety. "The internship sounds good, but D-Mart's closer. I can check on her there. She's starting as cashier tomorrow," he said firmly. Priya rolled her eyes, returning to her phone.
Arjun's half-day Ola rides earned ₹2,500, his Maruti 800 humming through Bandra's streets. He daydreamed about the system-promised Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top Diesel AT 4WD, its power promising higher earnings.
Returning home, Arjun found Ananya preparing lunch—pav bhaji and mango lassi—the kitchen filled with savory aromas. "Uncle, thought you'd need something hearty," she said, smiling shyly. Arjun, impressed, praised her. "This is amazing, Ananya. You're keeping this house together." He glanced at Priya, who munched D-Mart snacks, refusing to help. "Priya, put the phone down and lend a hand," he scolded, his tone sharp. Priya sulked, ignoring him, her entitlement stark against Ananya's care.
Arjun planned to escort Ananya to D-Mart and visit the State Bank of India, for her student loan application, reinforcing his support. The system buzzed: "Task Progress: Help Ananya secure a student loan. Continue for 14 days to unlock full rewards." Priya's sulking and Rohan Malhotra's looming visit lingered in Arjun's mind, but Ananya's quiet effort anchored his resolve to guide her toward independence.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 37
Wealth: ₹31,01,390
Strength: 72
Spirit: 66
Props: Knowledge Scroll=6, Electrolyte Drink=7, Protein Shake=2
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient reading
Ananya's Favorability: 31%