It was 5 PM. The college campus was slowly quieting down. Most of the students had left, but Aarav sat in the library — the blue folder open in front of him, reading every line with deep focus.
The folder had a line written in bold:
"Equity is not just ownership, it's a responsibility."
That one sentence hit Aarav hard. Until now, his understanding of stocks was limited to YouTube videos and quick Insta reels. But this folder had shifted something inside him.
"Index funds, diversification, portfolio rebalance, risk-adjusted return…"
These terms floated in his mind. He was beginning to understand — this wasn't just about putting money somewhere. It was a battle of the mind and patience.
Aarav (thinking to himself):
"I can't treat this like a hobby or a time-pass anymore. I have to build my future on this... But first — I need to build myself."
He pulled out his phone. Opened the Groww app. A few days ago, he had opened a Demat account. Now, he was truly ready.
---
Next Day – In the Classroom
The accounts lecture was on, and Aarav's focus today was unusually sharp. The teacher was explaining concepts that directly aligned with stock fundamentals — Price to Earnings Ratio, Book Value, ROCE...
Aarav opened his diary and marked each point in different colors. Today, he wasn't just a student — he had become a learner.
During the break, Priya walked up to him with two coffee cups in her hand.
Priya (smiling):
"You're looking very focused these days. Saw you in the library, and now in class too... what's cooking?"
Aarav (taking the coffee):
"Self-upgrade mode. That folder of yours was the trigger. Now, I have no option but to take things seriously."
Priya:
"Good. Actually, let me tell you something... Dad wants me to intern at his office during the next vacation."
Aarav:
"That's amazing! Then I'll learn from you too — an indirect internship!"
Priya (laughing):
"Haha, yeah… but you should look for one as well. Real-world experience matters a lot."
Aarav closed his eyes for a moment and then replied:
Aarav:
"I'm thinking of doing a mini research project — identifying 10 small-cap businesses in Chhattisgarh with undervalued shares that could spike in the next 5 years."
Priya (surprised):
"Whoa... how did you even come up with that?"
Aarav (smiling faintly):
"Because I'm not just a student anymore… I want to become an investor."
---
Evening – College Parking Area
Aarav was about to start his scooter when he saw Kanika Pandey walking toward him. Her stride was confident, but her eyes… they didn't avoid him this time.
Kanika:
"Hey Aarav, got a minute?"
Aarav (slightly surprised):
"Yeah, what's up, Kanika?"
Kanika (showing a diary in her hand):
"I overheard you in the library yesterday… about stocks and mutual funds. Are you really into that stuff?"
Aarav:
"Yeah… why?"
Kanika:
"There's an upcoming Economics Fest after the Art & Culture one — there's a Finance Simulation Round. I'm planning to participate. I need a team. Interested?"
Aarav took a moment. This was the same girl who had once distanced herself after seeing him getting close to Priya. And now she was initiating conversation.
Aarav (with a smart smile):
"Glad to know you finally see my value. And sure, I'm in… If you're in the team, the competition might actually be fun."
Kanika smiled — genuinely, for the first time.
---
9:00 PM – Home Courtyard, Gentle Breeze, Aroma of Hot Dal
Aarav walked out of his room. His mother was sitting in the courtyard, draped in a soft pink saree with a blue border. She looked like moonlight had taken form on Earth. Her eyes were deep, her smile calm — the kind that had weathered every storm life could throw.
Aarav (softly):
"Maa… did you eat?"
Saraswati Devi (with a tender smile):
"Without you? I was waiting. The plate was set just for you."
Aarav sat down on the floor beside her — her feet felt like his temple.
Aarav (gently):
"Maa… it's been a while since I sat with you like this. Everything's moving too fast — studies, investments, college… I think I'm losing myself in all of it."
Saraswati Devi (running her hand through his hair):
"You're not losing yourself, beta… you're discovering who you truly are."
Her voice had that stillness — like all truths of life had paused right there. Aarav looked at her. No bindi, no sindoor… yet her face radiated a serene beauty that didn't need decoration. No makeup, no pretense — just quiet grace that words could never fully capture.
She wore just two simple gold bangles, their soft jingling echoing with every gesture — as if even her breath carried devotion and warmth.
Aarav (resting his head in her lap):
"Maa… you're so beautiful. Every time I look at you, I feel like God showed you mercy before he ever thought of me."
Saraswati Devi (laughing gently):
"Beauty lies in the heart that can see its mother this way. It's your eyes that make me feel beautiful."
Aarav's eyes began to well up.
Aarav:
"I'm doing all this for you. I don't ever want you to feel lacking in anything. One day, I'll take you to the temple where papa last folded his hands in front of you."
Saraswati Devi (with tears glistening):
"The only thing missing is your father… but I see him in you. When you smile, time feels like it's turned back just a little."
Her voice grew softer… and for a few moments, the only sounds in the courtyard were the wind and the delicate chime of her bangles.
Aarav (quietly, promising himself):
"I won't lose this time, Maa. I'll fulfill all your dreams — with my head held high."
---
Later That Night – Inside the House
Aarav looked into the old mirror — the same one where he had first realized the truth of his time travel. Today, he looked into it again and saw someone different — more mature, more calm, more ambitious.
Aarav (to himself):
"Dreams aren't just for seeing… they're for living. And now, I'm living mine — every single day."