The warm Mumbai afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of the Andheri Phase II apartment, casting a golden hue across the room as Shalini Patel rested her healing ankle on the massage chair. The soft hum of the city's traffic blended with the rhythmic kneading of the chair, a comforting rhythm that eased her mind. Arjun Sharma sat nearby, his phone in hand, as Shalini finalized a call. "Preeti, meet Arjun Sir at 3 p.m. at the Fitzon Gym pool—he needs a swimming coach," she said, her voice steady. She handed the phone to Arjun, introducing Preeti—a stunning former National Games swimming champion whose fourth-place finish had once made headlines. Her expertise aligned perfectly with his new system task to replace running, a shift he welcomed to protect his knees.
The Midlife Mastery System chimed approvingly: "Swimming coach meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. Reward: 50,000 rupees upon completion." The incentive reinforced the system's support, especially its subtle encouragement of interactions with capable women like Preeti. Arjun smiled, the promise of reward fueling his anticipation as he prepared for the session, the system's guidance a constant companion in his evolving lifestyle.
Earlier that day, Arjun had pondered his Ola driving gig, now netting over 2,000 rupees daily. The steady income felt rewarding, but compared to the system's lavish rewards—apartments, cars, and cash—he questioned its value. "Maybe half a day is enough," he mused, deciding to cut back and explore new opportunities, the system's potential overshadowing the grind of the roads.
Meanwhile, in a quieter part of the city, Meera, Arjun's ex-wife, scrolled through her phone, her eyes narrowing at a photo Priya had sent—Arjun standing beside the Mahindra Thar. Suspicion flared. "He hid money during the divorce," she muttered, refusing to believe his post-separation success. The 20-lakh-rupee car mocked her 5-lakh-rupee settlement, igniting her resentment. She dialed a new number, bypassing his block, her voice sharp. "Arjun, you concealed assets! That car proves it!" Arjun's response was curt. "You're imagining things. Move on." Confident the system's funds were untraceable, he ended the call, her accusations sliding off him like water.
Meera's rage simmered, the Thar's value—20,00,000 rupees—stoking her regret. She resolved to sue, convinced he hid millions. Consulting Lawyer Ravi, a divorce specialist with a reputation for tenacity, she outlined her plan. "Prove he had this wealth pre-divorce, and you can claim 80%," Ravi advised, his tone cautious. "But evidence is everything—without it, you're chasing shadows." Determined, Meera enlisted Manish, a bank contact, to probe Arjun's accounts. The privacy settings blocked access, hinting at significant wealth, fueling her suspicions further.
Lawyer Ravi hesitated, his brow furrowing. "His private account suggests powerful connections. A reckless lawsuit could jeopardize my career." Meera waved off the warning, her jealousy and regret driving her forward. "I'll uncover it all," she vowed, unaware the system's magic rendered her efforts futile, her determination a storm against an invisible fortress.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 35
Wealth: ₹32,21,390 (+ Andheri Phase II apartment, 10 Crore rupees exclusive spending unlocked)
Strength: 80
Spirit: 68
Props: Knowledge Scroll=4, Electrolyte Drink=7, Protein Shake=2
Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient reading, Swimming (5,000 rupees/check-in)
Ananya's Favorability: 55%
Shalini's Favorability: 55%