That afternoon, Arjun Sharma stood in his Bandra apartment, the Midlife Mastery System humming faintly as he prepared to leave. "Priya, come with us to the State Bank of India for Ananya's student loan application," he called, adjusting his watch. Priya Sharma, sprawled on the couch with her bandaged leg, waved him off, her phone glowing. "Pass, Dad. My foot's still sore, and it's too hot out there," she said, her tone dismissive. "I'll stay home." Arjun sighed, his frustration with her idleness simmering, but nodded and turned to Ananya Desai.
Ananya, gathering her documents, looked nervous about the loan process. Arjun handed her a cap, scarf, gloves, and a tube of sunscreen, his voice warm. "Mumbai's sun is brutal, Ananya. These'll keep you safe." Ananya smiled, her cheeks flushing as she donned the gear. "Thanks, Uncle," she said, her gratitude boosting her favorability by 1% to 33%. Priya, munching D-Mart chocolates, smirked from the sofa. "You two look like you're prepping for a desert trek," she mocked. Ananya ignored her, adjusting her scarf, her focus steady.
Alone in the apartment, Priya texted Rohan Malhotra, her NMIMS classmate. "Come over, Rohan. Ananya's out with Dad," she typed, her smirk widening. At his car company internship, Rohan, eager to see Ananya, requested leave, risking the ire of his boss, "Cover for me, guys," he told his colleagues, who grumbled, envious of his freedom as the general manager's son. Operations director Rhea Malhotra, reviewing reports, permitted his leave but warned, "Be discreet, Rohan. We're swamped with delays." Rohan nodded, distracted by thoughts of Ananya, unaware she was with Arjun.
At D-Mart, Arjun and Ananya met Mr. Gupta, the manager, in his cluttered office, the air heavy with the scent of packaged spices. Arjun offered a cup of tea as a social gesture, despite not drinking it himself. "Mr. Gupta, Ananya's starting as cashier, right? 8 AM to 5 PM, weekends off?" he asked, his tone firm but friendly. Mr. Gupta nodded, smiling. "All set, Sharma ji." Ananya, nervous for her first interview, fumbled her introduction, her voice barely audible. "I'm… uh…" Arjun leaned in, encouraging her. "Just share your name, age, and education, Ananya." She took a breath, steadier. "Ananya Desai, 20, accounting major at NMIMS."
Mr. Gupta, leaning back, exaggerated NMIMS's prestige. "An accounting star from NMIMS? You're a future pillar of India!" he said, grinning. "You'll handle cashier duties—think of it as financial management." Ananya's eyes lit up, her confidence soaring, boosting her favorability by 5% to 38%. Arjun, seizing the moment, negotiated her salary. "₹15,000 a month is not fair, right?" he asked. Mr. Gupta waved a hand, surprising them. "For her skills? ₹25,000 a month, Sharma ji. We need talent like hers." Ananya's jaw dropped, her gratitude overwhelming, raising her favorability by 5% to 43%. "Thank you, sir… Uncle," she said, her voice thick.
As they left D-Mart, Arjun drove Ananya to the State Bank of India, the system buzzing: "Task Progress: Help Ananya secure a student loan. Continue for 12 days to unlock full rewards." Ananya clutched her documents, her trust in Arjun anchoring her. Back home, Priya's sulking and Rohan's impending visit loomed, but Arjun's focus on Ananya's future, fueled by Bandra's vibrant energy, remained unshaken.
Attribute Panel:Height: 185 cm (+)Physical Age: 37Wealth: ₹31,01,390Strength: 72Spirit: 66Props: Knowledge Scroll=6, Electrolyte Drink=7, Protein Shake=2Daily Tasks: Nutritious breakfast, gym check-in, Ola rides, Efficient readingAnanya's Favorability: 43% (+11%)