The year had swiftly passed, and by mid-February Devansh's school life's final year had passed. He had scored great marks in every subject, mainly thanks to his knowledge about the main questions on the exams.
As he had passed the school it was time he moved out and started living on his own, something his parents wouldn't agree upon easily. However, Devansh had to become independent. Also, he had to ask for a gift from his parents.
Keeping all these thoughts in mind, he opened the door of the living room.
"My, my, if it is not our topper son. What brings you here, Mr.Genius?" Preeti said in a haughty tone.
"Stop teasing me like that mom, it was all due to hardwork." Devansh said while seating himself, slightly blushing at the compliment.
"Well, what brings you here, son?", Vinay asked, sipping his tea.
"Dad, I'll be straightforward. I want to move out.", Devansh said after having recollected himself.
Silence.... That was a one word description of the room. All three present in the room knew the weight of the words just spoken.
*Sigh*
"Devansh, I knew this topic would rise after you passed school. I also realise the crossroads you stand at. One is the teaching of our culture that say one should always be there for his family. And on the other side is modern time's need of moving out. And I understand that neglecting this need of modern times will be equal to never give you a chance in life. I have already looked in on an apartment for you.", Vinay said in a very emotional tone, his lips forming a light smile.
"Dad...", Devansh muttered, he could not believe how much his dad worried for him, however, he continued after recollecting his composure," I promise that I will always make you proud."
"That's my son.", Vinay ruffled his hand through Devansh's black hair, patting the latter's head.
"Uhm."
The sudden noise got the father-son duo's attention.
"Do not ignore me, you two!", Preeti said.
The two men could not do anything but burst in laughter. This changed the room's vibe from serious to lively. However, amidst laughing, Devansh remembered something important.
"Um, mom, dad.",said Devansh, a bit hesitantly.
This piqued the couple's attention.
"What is it son?", Preeti asked.
"Well, I might sound greedy, but I would like to ask you both for a gift." Devansh said with a voice filled of uncertainty.
"And what might that be?", his father asked.
Gathering his courage, Devansh said," Mom, Dad, I want to buy the new VR game that has been recently released!"
After the sentence was finished, there was a short moment of silence, one which was followed by an unexpected laughter.
"Hahaha!", both his parents laughed together.
"Huh?", their laughter was not an outcome Devansh was expecting. Trying to comprehend the situation, he asked dumbfoundedily, " Mom,Dad, why are you laughing? It's not as if I cracked a joke."
Forcing an end on his laughter, Vinay told him," Sorry son. It's just that your demand was so childish, we couldn't help but laugh."
"Does that mean I can get the VR pod?", Devansh asked once again, this time with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Of course, dear. You deserve it.", this time Preeti answered his question.
"She is right. However let me remind you, this is just the start of your life. Don't elevate to cloud nine just for this one success.", Vinay reminded Devansh.
Devansh, overfilled with joy said,"Of course Dad. You both are the best."
....
A few weeks later.
Devansh had swiftly moved into the apartment his parents had looked for him.
It was a rather small one. The only one they could afford. It had one bedroom, a small kitchen and a bathroom.
Vinay had transferred him ₹8,000 or roughly $100 for him to last on for 2 months. It was money he needed to use wisely. All of his stuff had been shifted to his new home, including the VR pod.
Devansh quietly gazed at the VR pod. He thought, "This time will be different. This time, I will be the writer of my own fate and not a marionette of someone."
He then moved his towards his phone, the date was the night of May 31st, 2024, only a handful of hours before Legends of Akasha was released, and a full year of his return. The time for Devansh's comeback to the game was coming closer.
"We'll, I should take a shower before signing into the game.", he said to himself and went to the bathroom for a shower.
The shower lasted for a few minutes, after which, he came out of the bathroom with only a towel covering his lower half. Taking a glance into the mirror, he couldn't help but smile. His physique had gotten much better compared to the previous year. He was starting to get six pack abs, his hands and leg muscles were identifiable and his chest had gotten broader. However, it was not time for all this. Soon, LOA will be released. Devansh needed to completely prepare himself.
He went to the kitchen and started preparing himself a meal. The most famous Indian fast food, maggi noodles.
A few hours later.
Devansh had completed his preparations.
"Fine, one last time, dinner-done, door and window-locked, important places and names in the game-revised. It seems like everything is ready.", he rechecked everything.
Then, he ran his fingers throught his pocket and took out his phone. Looking at the time, it read,"11:58 p.m. It's almost time now."
Devansh put his phone on the drawer next to his bed and moved towards the VR pod.
He had already filled in the nutrient liquid that came with the pod so all that was left was to switch the socket on and get into the pod.
Devansh laid in the pod, watching as it closed. After the pod closed, he closed his eyes and got ready.
Suddenly, a scenery realized in his mind and a man's voice occurred in his ears,"Welcome to the world of Legends Of Akasha."