The morning light slowly illuminated the lanes of the neighborhood. Aarav's eyes were heavy with sleep, but his mind was fully awake. Picking up his scooter keys from the corner of his room, he called out to his mother:
Aarav: "Mom, I'm heading to college. I'll be back a little late this afternoon—we've got preparations for the Economics Fest."
Saraswati Devi (from the kitchen): "Alright, beta. Be careful. And make sure you've eaten something before leaving."
Aarav(starting his scooter): "I ate the parathas you made. Now, all that's left is to win this presentation."
The hum of his scooter added life to the quiet morning. As he rode, confidence glowed on Aarav's face. The fear, hesitation, and confusion he once carried were gone. He knew exactly what he had to do—and how to do it.
---
College Campus – 9:00 AM
As soon as Aarav parked his scooter, he spotted Priya, Kanika, and the rest of the team waiting for him near the canteen.
Priya (laughing): "Finally, the rockstar arrives! Let's start the meeting?"
Aarav (removing his helmet): "Not a rockstar—just the team's 'working star.' Let's wrap up today's prep."
The group chuckled as they headed to the library for their final presentation rehearsal.
---
Library Team Meeting
Laptops, notepads, and old reports were scattered across the table. Priya began assigning tasks on a whiteboard.
Priya: "Kanika, handle the visuals. Mira and Bhavya will assist with data analysis. Aarav… your technical slides are amazing. Just make them more interactive."
Aarav (meeting her gaze): "Done. I've added animated graphs. It'll make explaining the data easier for the judges."
Kanika (impressed): "Wow, you've really turned into an entrepreneur!"
Aarav(smiling): "First, I need to be a responsible student. We'll see about the rest later."
---
Break Time – College Canteen
The team relaxed in the canteen. Aarav sipped his tea in a corner, and Priya joined him.
Priya: "You know, when we first met, you were so quiet and lost. Now… it's like you've found yourself again."
Aarav (softly): "Maybe life gives us chances to rebuild ourselves. I didn't want to waste mine."
Priya: "Your journey… it's inspiring. Watching you has taught me to trust myself too."
Aarav held her gaze, words dissolving into a warm smile.
---
Economics Fest Presentation – College Auditorium**
The judges sat sternly as the auditorium buzzed with energy. Kanika kicked off the presentation, followed by Mira explaining market scope and Priya dissecting legal factors. Then Aarav stepped forward:
Aarav (confidently): "Our focus is on small-cap businesses in Chhattisgarh—low-risk ventures with high growth potential. The graphs you see here track trends from the last five years…"
The judges leaned in, intrigued.
Judge 1: "Sharp and realistic analysis. Well done."
Judge 2:"Excellent teamwork and segmentation. It shows."
The team exchanged relieved smiles. Round one was a triumph.
---
Evening – Riding Home
Aarav rode back, the wind tousling his hair. His mind was calm—today had been a quiet victory. His mother greeted him at the door:
Saraswati Devi:"How was your day?"
Aarav: "Great. Teamwork, hard work… and a few small miracles."
Saraswati Devi (smiling): "Miracles always hide behind effort, beta."
---
Night – Alone in His Room
Aarav stood before the mirror. The boy he once saw was gone. Now, a thoughtful, resilient young man stared back.
Aarav (to himself): "The mirror's no mystery anymore. I'm my own future—the author of my story."
The glass shimmered faintly, as if agreeing.
---
The Fire of Dreams and the Shelter of Relationships"
At 10:30 PM, the house was silent, but a dim light glowed in Aarav's room. His phone buzzed—*Priya*.
Priya (softly): "Were you asleep?"
Aarav (grinning): "No. Just in a meeting… with myself."
Priya (laughing): "Your self-talks are so interesting. You should start a podcast—'InvestMind with Aarav.'"
Aarav:"Maybe someday. For now, your voice is my daily podcast."
Priya (blushing): "Shut up… Anyway, practice tomorrow? Are you free?"
Aarav: "My afternoon's reserved for you, madam analyst. Kanika's joining us too—competition's heating up."
Priya (hesitating): "You're… okay working with her?"
Aarav:"Upgrading old perceptions is part of growth. Besides… with you around, nothing else matters."
A silence lingered—speaking louder than words.
---
Next Day – College Common Room
Aarav, Priya, and Kanika huddled over charts and graphs.
Kanika: "Let's crisp up the problem statement: *Why is financial literacy low among Indian youth?* Then introduce stock market simulations as the solution."
Priya:"Aarav, explain risk vs. reward—use one of your analogies."
Aarav:"Stocks are like relationships. Small-caps are new bonds—unpredictable but high-reward. Large-caps are old ties—steady but boring."
Priya (laughing): "If this doesn't win 'Best Speaker,' nothing will!"
Kanika:"You've got a unique mind, Aarav. Glad you're on the team."
Aarav smiled, his gaze lingering on Priya. Her eyes sparkled with unspoken words.
---
Evening – Canteen
After practice, Priya and Aarav sat alone.
Priya (softly): "You're… different. Calm yet passionate. How?"
Aarav: "Maybe because my mind watches the market… but my heart's invested in you."
Priya (lowering her eyes): "You always say things that sound like jokes… but they touch something deeper."
Aarav (seriously): "I mean every word. With you, I'm not 'Aarav the student'—just a person trying to be better… for you."
Priya (teary-eyed): "You've changed… and it's beautiful."
Aarav(gently holding her hand): "Change comes when you need it most. Your friendship, Mom's faith, and my future—they're my anchors now."
---
Night – With His Mother
Saraswati Devi sat beside Aarav, an old family photo in her hands.
Saraswati Devi: "I overheard you on the phone last night… with Priya?"
Aarav (blushing): "Yeah…"
Saraswati Devi(smiling): "She's a good girl. There's a natural chemistry between you."
Aarav: "I want to be a good person first… so even if I can't give her everything, I won't feel ashamed."
Saraswati Devi (stroking his hair): "If you stay this true, no one will ever want to let you go."
Aarav rested his head in her lap, eyes closed, thinking:
"Every day, I'm becoming someone who makes Mom smile and Priya proud. That's enough."