It was eight o'clock in the morning.
The streets of Raipur were filled with the delicious aroma of tea and samosas.
There was a special buzz at the gate of Shree Shantinath Degree College today.
It was the Finance Simulation Presentation Day — the biggest event of the college.
Every student had a different sparkle in their eyes, a different dream to chase.
Outside the college's grand auditorium, student groups had gathered, each doing last-minute revisions with their teams.
Aarav, Priya, and Kanika stood ready with their team, "Visionary Investors."
But today, the atmosphere was a little different —
because their friends Megha, Meera, and Bhavya were also there, competing with their own teams.
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Backstage — Behind the Curtains
Priya (loudly, fixing her folder):
"Everyone's busy cramming... a presentation should have heart, not just data!"
Kanika (laughing):
"True. But Priya, we also need to stay a little formal... Judges look for numbers, not just emotions."
Just then, Megha walked over — wearing a light yellow top and black trousers, looking fresh and confident.
She gave Aarav a playful smile.
Megha (teasingly):
"Aarav, today's competition is going to be tough... Your charm might impress the judges, but it won't work on me!"
Aarav (grinning, light-heartedly):
"Challenge accepted, madam. Victory comes from hard work... charm is just a bonus."
Soon Meera arrived too — dressed in a white salwar-kurta, calm and graceful as ever.
Looking at Aarav, she said softly:
Meera (gently, with innocence):
"Just want the same from you today... your smile and an honest presentation. Everything else will fall into place."
Bhavya also joined — vibrant and full of energy in her bright orange top and jeans.
She joked:
Bhavya (laughing):
"Aarav, if my team wins today, you owe us an ice-cream party!"
Aarav (laughing):
"Done! And if I win?"
Bhavya (batting her eyelashes):
"Even then, you throw the party! Winners must have big hearts!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
The backstage air was charged with competition, but beneath it all was a sweet bond of friendship that made everyone smile.
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Inside the Auditorium — On Stage, Presentation Time
1. Megha's Team — "Smart Capitals"
Megha and her team presented on Startups in the Healthcare Sector.
They showcased the future potential of healthcare stocks brilliantly.
Megha, in her confident voice, declared:
Megha (during the presentation):
"Health is wealth… and in the future, those who invest in the health sector will be the true rich!"
Her clarity and assertiveness left a strong impression on the judges.
2. Meera's Team — "Ethical Investors"
Meera spoke about Sustainable Investments,
explaining how eco-friendly companies and green technology are the future —
and she did it with emotional strength and grace.
Her slides had simple graphs and clean points.
When Meera said:
Meera (in a soft but powerful tone):
"Purpose is greater than profit... and sustainability offers both — money and a better future."
The entire auditorium went silent — everyone was listening intently.
3. Bhavya's Team — "Growth Gurus"
Bhavya's style was completely different — energetic, lively, and a bit funny.
Her team presented on Emerging Tech Companies.
Bhavya threw in hilarious one-liners now and then, keeping the audience highly engaged.
Bhavya (smiling):
"Stock Market is like marriage... choose wisely, or regret later!"
The auditorium erupted in laughter.
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4. Finally, it was time for — Team Visionary Investors (Aarav, Priya, Kanika)
As they stepped onto the stage, Aarav grabbed the mic.
His confident body language shifted the entire atmosphere.
Aarav:
"Investment isn't just about putting money somewhere... it's about believing in the future."
Then Priya presented a crisp analysis on Small Cap Companies.
Kanika explained Charts, Graphs, and Risk Management Techniques.
When the judges threw some tough questions like:
"What would you do if a recession hits?"
"How will you deal with volatility?"
Aarav responded calmly and thoughtfully:
Aarav (smiling confidently):
"Volatility isn't the enemy of an investor, it's their companion... those who move wisely, become the true winners."
The judges noted something down — a clear sign that they were impressed.
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After Stepping Off Stage — Backstage Reactions
Megha (laughing):
"Well played, Aarav! Your team totally rocked it."
Meera (smiling softly):
"Your sincerity really stands out... it connects straight to the heart."
Bhavya (taking a sip from a water bottle):
"Now get ready for that ice-cream party!"
Aarav smiled at all of them.
Today he realized that competition and friendship can walk side by side — without bitterness.
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Evening — Results Announcement
Principal Sir stepped onto the stage with the mic:
"Today, we witnessed some outstanding presentations. But the team that was the most Practical, Innovative, and Clear is..."
"Visionary Investors!!"
The auditorium roared with applause.
Priya, Aarav, and Kanika raced onto the stage to receive the trophy.
Standing a little distance away, Megha, Meera, and Bhavya clapped and smiled genuinely — without even a hint of jealousy.
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Night — At Home
As Aarav parked his scooter and stepped inside, he went straight to his mother.
Saraswati Devi had already prepared halwa, as if she knew.
Saraswati Devi (laughing, placing her hand on Aarav's forehead):
"I knew my son would come home victorious."
Aarav showed her the trophy and silently made a promise —
"This is just the beginning... now it's time to soar, and fulfill all of Maa's dreams."
Under the moonlight, Aarav's eyes gleamed —
moist with dreams and glowing with the pride of victory.
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(Chapter 20 Ends)