📖 Chapter 10 – The Girl Who Noticed
The radio hummed faintly in the corner of the small house. Arjun sat on the veranda, staring at the newspaper.
Sensex Update: IT Stocks Tumble, Infosys Drops 5%.
His father's voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"See, what did I say? Gambling! You've already lost money."
Ramesh slapped the paper down. "You think you're smarter than the world? Companies fall, governments change, and you—one poor boy—think you'll beat them?"
Arjun looked up calmly. "This is only a dip, Papa. A year from now, Infosys will rise higher than you can imagine."
"Dreams," Ramesh muttered bitterly, walking away.
Savitri placed a gentle hand on Arjun's shoulder. "Beta, just… don't break yourself chasing these things."
Arjun smiled faintly. Break? I've already been broken once. This time, I'll forge myself anew.
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The University Confrontation
The campus courtyard buzzed with laughter, students spilling out of lecture halls. Arjun kept to himself, heading toward the library.
"Oi, Mehra!"
The mocking voice came from the steps. Rohit Kapoor leaned against the railing, designer sunglasses perched on his head, surrounded by his usual pack of lackeys.
"Look who it is—the campus beggar. Heard you've been playing stock market, eh? Lost already?"
The crowd chuckled.
Arjun didn't stop walking. "It's none of your business."
Rohit stepped forward, blocking his path. "Oh, it is my business. This is my campus. You should learn your place, pauper."
Gasps rippled through the students watching. No one dared challenge Rohit—his father's influence reached everywhere.
Arjun's gaze was steady, voice even. "Your money can buy fear, Rohit. Not respect."
The courtyard went silent for a moment.
"WHAT did you say?" Rohit snarled, fist clenching. His goons shifted, ready to shove Arjun down.
But before the scene could explode, a crisp voice cut through the air.
"That's enough."
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The Girl Who Stopped the Storm
Every head turned. Walking across the courtyard was Kavya Singh. Tall, poised, her long hair tied neatly, dressed in a simple but elegant kurta. Students parted instinctively as if royalty had arrived.
Beside her walked Ritika Malhotra, all bright smiles and expensive jewelry, waving at familiar faces.
Kavya's cold eyes landed on Rohit. "You look ridiculous. Do you have nothing better to do than harass people?"
Rohit straightened instantly, his arrogance faltering. "Kavya, I was just—"
"Just making yourself look small." Her words cut sharper than any knife. "Step aside."
Rohit's face flushed red. He muttered under his breath but moved, unwilling to cross her. His lackeys followed, grumbling.
The crowd dispersed quickly, whispers trailing.
Arjun adjusted his bag strap, about to leave, when Ritika giggled.
"Interesting! Most people tremble before Rohit. You didn't even blink."
Arjun glanced at her, then at Kavya. Their eyes met for the briefest second—hers cold, unreadable.
But beneath that icy exterior, Arjun sensed something. Intelligence. Depth. And curiosity.
"Some people aren't worth my fear," Arjun said simply, and walked away.
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The Spark
Ritika nudged Kavya playfully as they continued to class.
"Did you see that? Cool, calm, no stammering. I think our icy princess is intrigued."
Kavya shot her a glare. "Don't be ridiculous."
But her eyes flickered in the direction Arjun had gone.
She had met countless boys—rich heirs, flashy suitors, smooth talkers. All desperate to gain her favor.
But this poor student… he hadn't even tried.
And that made him… different.
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Arjun's Resolve
Back in the library, Arjun opened his notebook. His heart still beat fast from the confrontation, but his mind was steady.
The Nanochip pulsed faintly.
> [Alert: Infosys Stock Predicted Recovery in 3 Months. Hold Position.]
He smirked. Let Rohit mock. Let my father doubt. I've already seen the future. And no one—no rich boy, no politician, no empire—will stop me this time.
The pen moved swiftly across the page as he mapped out his next investments, unaware that someone else's gaze had already lingered longer than he thought.
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🔥 End of Chapter 10 Cliffhanger