That evening, Ananya Desai stepped out of her Ola ride into Pali Hill, the humid October air clinging to her cotton scarf as it slipped, revealing her radiant features under Mumbai's golden streetlights. Neighbors lingered near the gated entrance, their murmurs soft against the distant hum of rickshaws. Mrs. Nair, a chatty resident in a vibrant silk saree, approached, her bangles clinking rhythmically. "Ananya, dear, are you Arjun Sharma's daughter? Such beauty!" she exclaimed, her tone probing as she leaned closer, catching Ananya's faint jasmine perfume. Ananya, shy with strangers, adjusted her scarf, cheeks flushing under the scrutiny. "No, aunty, just staying with them—Priya's NMIMS classmate," she mumbled, sidestepping Mrs. Nair's eager gaze. Mrs. Nair tilted her head, undeterred. "You'd have been perfect to tutor my nephew—NMIMS is no small feat! I should've hired you," she muttered, her voice tinged with regret over dismissing Ananya's credentials due to snobbish Pali Hill WhatsApp group pressure. Ananya offered a polite smile, heart racing, and hurried toward the apartment, the weight of curious eyes trailing her.
Inside, she froze at Rohan Malhotra leaning against the doorframe, his crisp navy polo shirt and polished Metro shoes betraying his affluent roots—his father a senior executive at a Mumbai automotive firm. His eyes lit up, a nervous grin spreading as he straightened, clutching a sleek patisserie bag, the buttery scent of croissants wafting out. "I, uh, came to see Priya," he stammered, fearing Ananya might misread his visit. The savory aroma of her chicken curry simmering in the kitchen mingled with the pastries, filling the air. Relieved Arjun wasn't home, Rohan lingered, confidence returning. "Your cooking smells amazing, Ananya. Made extra?" he asked, his tone teasing, eyes tracing her simple kurti. Ananya, protective of Arjun's meals, crossed her arms, posture firm despite her shy demeanor. "It's for Uncle and Priya, Rohan—house rules," she said, voice cool but polite, wary of his charm. Priya's giggles echoed from the living room, her mini-dress flashing as she waved him inside, iPhone 16 Pro glinting. Rohan flashed Ananya a warm smile, undeterred. "Maybe next time, then," he said, his intentions clear but unspoken, the air thick with Priya's laughter masking subtle jealousy.
At the Mahindra dealership in Bandra, Arjun Sharma stood beside his faded Maruti 800, its chipped paint stark against gleaming luxury cars—BMWs and Audis parked like trophies. Sanjay Gupta, a wealthy businessman in a crisp navy suit, approached, his Rolex glinting as he extended a hand. Mistaking Arjun's refined demeanor for academia, Sanjay grinned. "Man, you've got a scholar's air—professor, right?" Arjun chuckled, shaking his head, his casual polo understated. "Just a driver who loves life's deeper questions, Gupta ji," he replied, deflecting with ease. Their conversation flowed to resilience and purpose, Arjun's insights from The Road Less Traveled impressing Sanjay, who glanced at the Maruti. "That car's seen better days. Why not upgrade?" Arjun's eyes twinkled, response cryptic. "Got my eye on something."
The Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top Diesel AT 4WD, a rugged masterpiece with a sleek black finish, panoramic sunroof, and premium JBL audio, drew Mumbai's elite. Sanjay, intrigued by Arjun's calm confidence, invited him for a test drive. "Let's see what this beast can do," he said, sliding into the passenger seat. Inside the Thar's plush cabin, tinted windows and soundproofing created a private oasis, the starry sky roof casting a soft glow. Sanjay grinned, nudging Arjun. "Perfect for a quiet getaway with someone special, eh?" he teased, winking. Arjun laughed, gripping the wheel as he navigated Bandra's bustling streets, the Thar's 2.2-liter engine roaring. "Handles like a dream," he said, the Midlife Mastery System humming silently. Sanjay, flaunting his wealth, booked a Thar, fingers tapping his phone to confirm the ₹20,00,000 order. "Not ordering, Sharma ji? It's a steal," he teased, expecting hesitation from Arjun's modest attire. Arjun grinned. "I'm picking mine up now, Gupta ji." Sanjay's jaw dropped, impressed by Arjun's understated wealth. "You're full of surprises," he said, handing over his business card—Sanjay Gupta, Investor: Mumbai, Delhi, Dubai—and adding Arjun on WhatsApp. "We'll talk business soon."
As Arjun drove the Thar toward Pali Hill, its engine purring through Bandra's vibrant streets—past chai stalls and flickering neon signs—his thoughts turned to Ananya's future and Sham Desai's 8 PM dinner from Chapter 53. The system buzzed: "Task Progress: Efficient reading ongoing. Continue for 11 days." Rohan's scheming felt distant, the Thar's keys anchoring Arjun's focus on Ananya's loan and Bandra's lively pulse.
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: 55%