That evening, at the Mahindra dealership in Bandra, the lot glowed under floodlights as Sanjay Gupta watched Arjun Sharma, intrigued by his calm confidence despite his faded Maruti 800, its silver paint chipped. "Sharma ji, claiming a ₹20,00,000 Thar with that car? I misjudged you," Sanjay said, his tone blending admiration and curiosity, his Rolex glinting. Arjun's refusal of a grand handover ceremony—balloons, photographers—fascinated him further. "No fuss, just the car," Arjun told the salesperson, his voice firm, emphasizing practicality over vanity. Sanjay raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "You're a rare one, Sharma ji."
The salesperson, in a crisp Mahindra polo, blinked in shock when Arjun offered his Maruti 800 as a trade-in. "Sir, a ₹20,00,000 Thar? With… this?" he stammered, eyeing the weathered vehicle, valued at ₹2,00,000 two years ago. Arjun smiled, unshaken, his refined demeanor—honed by Mumbai's chaos—silencing doubts. "Status comes from people, not cars," he said, his Spirit stat at 66 steadying his words. The used car expert offered ₹30,000, citing rust, but Arjun negotiated firmly. "It's reliable, worth ₹50,000, minimum," he said, his Strength stat of 72 lending authority. The expert nodded, and Arjun sealed the deal with a handshake. The salesperson, still stunned, processed the paperwork for the Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top Diesel AT 4WD.
Arjun slid into the Thar's plush cabin, the new leather scent enveloping him as the panoramic sunroof revealed a twilight sky. The 2.2-liter engine roared, its JBL audio humming. Sanjay, clapping, handed him a business card—Sanjay Gupta, Investor: Mumbai, Delhi, Dubai—adding Arjun on WhatsApp. "Let's stay in touch, Sharma ji," he said. Arjun grinned. "Will do, Gupta ji," he replied, driving off, the Thar's power thrilling him as Bandra's neon-lit streets blurred past.
Back at Pali Hill, Ananya Desai returned from the bank, her cotton scarf slipping as neighbors whispered near the gate. Mrs. Nair, in a vibrant saree, sighed. "Such a beauty—Arjun's relative, maybe?" she muttered, regretting not hiring Ananya as a tutor due to snobbish WhatsApp group pressure. Ananya, shy, hurried inside, spotting Rohan Malhotra in the living room with Priya, his polo crisp. "Forgot something," Rohan said nervously, his eyes lingering on Ananya's kurti. "Just here for Priya." Ananya, cautious, raised an eyebrow. "Uncle's not back yet," she said, her tone firm.
Rohan, thrilled Arjun was absent, lingered, the aroma of Ananya's chicken curry tempting him. "Smells incredible, Ananya. Got extra?" he asked, his charm subtle. Ananya crossed her arms, protective of Arjun's resources. "It's for Uncle and Priya, Rohan. House rules," she said, deflecting him. Priya's giggles echoed, her mini-dress flashing, but Ananya's wariness held, her loyalty to Arjun unwavering.
The Midlife Mastery System buzzed silently as Arjun parked the Thar, its sleek frame gleaming. His wealth now stood at ₹31,51,390 after the ₹50,000 trade-in. Sham Desai's 8 PM dinner loomed, a chance to discuss Ananya's loan. The Thar's keys anchored his focus, Rohan's scheming a distant concern in Bandra's vibrant pulse.
Attribute Panel:
Height: 185 cm (+)
Physical Age: 37
Wealth: ₹31,51,390 (+₹50,000)
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%