📖 Chapter 4 – Small Steps, Big Dreams
The warm glow of the evening bulb filled the small Mehra household. The family sat around the low wooden table again, but this time the dishes looked slightly richer—an extra bowl of dal, a small portion of chicken curry.
Ananya's eyes sparkled as she bit into a drumstick. "Bhaiya! Chicken! You're the best! Where did this come from?"
Arjun smiled faintly. "A little surprise. Eat slowly, or you'll choke."
His father, Ramesh, looked at him suspiciously. "Arjun, where are you getting this money? You didn't… do anything wrong, did you?"
Arjun chuckled. "No, Papa. I told you before—I'm doing computer work online. People pay for small projects, and I get some money."
Ramesh sighed, shaking his head. "These modern things… In my day, money only came from sweat and blood. Don't put your hopes in quick tricks."
Arjun didn't argue. He knew that in his father's eyes, the world was simple—work hard, get wages, survive. But Arjun's gaze had already pierced decades into the future.
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That night, after everyone slept, Arjun sat in front of the rattling old computer once more. He opened a spreadsheet and began listing out companies—Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Reliance, Bharti Airtel.
In his past life, he had watched these names grow from humble enterprises to giants ruling India's stock market. He knew exactly which year their shares would skyrocket.
The Nanochip's voice echoed:
> [Financial Forecasting Activated]
Infosys: Strong Upward Trend – Next 5 Years]
Wipro: Consistent Growth]
Reliance Industries: High Potential – Energy & Telecom Expansion Detected]
Arjun's eyes burned with excitement. In the early 2000s, India's IT industry was a sleeping giant about to awaken. Western companies, desperate to cut costs after the dot-com crash, would outsource in droves. And who would benefit? Indian tech firms.
If I can invest now… even a few thousand rupees will turn into lakhs within years.
But then he glanced at the balance in his small online wallet. Barely â‚ą2,300.
His lips curved into a bitter smile. A fortune waiting to be taken, but I don't even have enough for a single decent share.
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The next day, he walked home from school and passed a group of men sitting in front of a tea stall, the radio crackling with news.
"…Prime Minister Vajpayee has emphasized the importance of India's growing IT sector. Economists predict massive job opportunities in Bangalore and Hyderabad…"
The men snorted. "Politicians talk too much. For us, nothing changes. No jobs here, no money here. Same poverty as always."
Arjun paused for a moment, listening. His fists clenched. They're not wrong. For ordinary families like ours, politics is just noise. But for me? It's an opportunity. Business and politics walk hand in hand. If I understand one, I can master the other.
---
That evening, Arjun returned home with a small package—new black shoes for Ananya.
"Bhaiya!" Her eyes widened. "You bought these for me? But my old ones still work!"
"Old ones have holes, Anu," Arjun said gently, kneeling to put the shoes on her feet. "Doctors can't run with shoes that leak water."
Ananya threw her arms around his neck, her voice muffled. "You're the best brother in the world!"
Savitri, watching from the doorway, had tears glistening in her eyes. Her son was only sixteen, yet he carried the weight of the family on his shoulders as if he were forty.
Arjun stood, determination blazing in his eyes.
Small steps for now. Freelancing, saving, learning the market. But soon… very soon, I'll need real capital. And when that day comes, India's future will belong to me.
The Nanochip chimed softly.
> [System Reminder: Current Funds: ₹2,300. Mission: Accumulate ₹50,000 in Capital – Deadline: 60 Days]
Arjun's grin widened. "Fifty thousand in two months? Easy."
For the first time since his rebirth, he felt the thrill of the hunt.
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🔥 End of Chapter 4 Cliffhanger