As the weekend drew closer, Vikram found himself getting ready to travel back home, experiencing a combination of anxiety and thrill. The prospect of reuniting with his parents and his adorable little sister fueled a sense of anticipation.
In his room, Vikram pondered over the perfect gifts for his family. His gaze fell upon a matte black metal card, a mysterious item made with a weird metal with his full name engrave onto its surface. Its cool touch intrigued him, and a mischievous grin crept onto his face. "Hehe Hehe," he chuckled, relishing the mysterious allure of the card.
As he packed his travel backpack, thoughts of surprises for his sister and parents occupied his mind. The anticipation of their reactions fueled his eagerness to make the visit memorable.
Just as he was about to step out, a familiar and vibrant voice echoed through the hallway.
"Vikram!"
As Vikram turned around, he faced Aditiya, who had prepared himself for a journey back home. Aditiya, with a backpack slung over his shoulder, exuded a lively energy that matched his loud and cheerful voice.
"Aditiya, are you headed home as well?" Vikram inquired, intrigued by the shared coincidence.
Aditiya flashed a cheerful grin. "Yes, indeed! Going home after a while. Got a bit of scolding from the parents, though. They warned me that if I didn't show up, my monthly allowance might take a hit. So, I'm off to buy some gifts and then head home."
The closeness of Aditiya's cheerful demeanor and the hint of parental reprimand painted a vivid picture of the dynamics between him and his family.
"Hey, Aditiya, if you're going to buy some gifts, why don't we go together?" Vikram suggested, the prospect of a joint shopping venture appealing to him.
Aditiya's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Sounds like a plan, Vikram! But the question is, where should we go? M.G. Road or Commercial Street?"
Vikram contemplated for a moment before responding, "Hmm... let's go to Commercial Street. It is also near our homes. What do you think?"
Aditiya agreed with a nod and a grin. "Great choice! Commercial Street it is, then." The duo set off together, ready to explore the vibrant and bustling markets of Commercial Street in search of the perfect gifts for their families.
As Vikram and Aditiya made their way towards Commercial Street, Vikram couldn't help but reflect on the stark contrasts between the Bangalore of the past and the bustling metropolis it had become. The future had brought about impressive advancements, with high-rise buildings and a sprawling metro network that spoke of economic prosperity. However, this progress came at a cost—traffic jams, inflation, and a high cost of living, small enterprises struggling to survive in the chaotic market.
As Vikram gazed out at the developing cityscape, he couldn't ignore the improvements in air quality, a silver lining amidst the challenges. He started a conversation with Aditiya about the city's development.
"What do you think about the future of Bangalore, Aditiya?" Vikram asked, curious about his friend's perspective on the city's development.
Aditiya, with a confident gaze, responded, "Bangalore will grow even faster than it is now."
The evident surprise on Vikram's face grew as he glanced at Aditiya, his mind racing. Did Aditiya share a similar awareness of the future? Was he too reincarnated? Vikram's gaze held a question, prompting Aditiya to inquire about the curious expression.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Aditiya asked with a raised eyebrow.
Vikram hesitated for a moment before replying, "I just didn't expect that from you."
Aditiya met Vikram's gaze with unwavering confidence. "Well, Vikram, I have big plans. I'm going to be the biggest tech giant in the future."
Vikram burst into laughter at Aditiya's bold declaration. Instead of disbelief or mockery, the laughter expressed surprise and amusement. He hadn't expected Aditiya to be so assertive about his future ambitions.
"Well, it's true. The biggest IT hub is indeed going to be in Bangalore," Vikram responded, his laughter subsiding into a grin. The reality of Bangalore's future as a tech giant resonated with both of them.
"Then I have to hug your thigh tightly so I can leach off your success," Vikram smiled with an evil grin at Aditya
"Wait, let me go get some cash from the ATM," Vikram said, diverting towards the ATM. Aditiya followed him, patiently waiting in line. As Vikram was sliding his card into the ATM, Aditiya noticed the card's distinctiveness. It had a certain VIP quality, but Aditiya refrained from prying into its secrets, respecting Vikram's privacy.
"Let's go," Vikram said to Aditiya, who was patiently waiting for him. They continued towards the main market area, weaving through the bustling crowd of Commercial Street. Vikram couldn't help but ponder the changes in everyday life, reflecting on the convenience brought about by digital currencies like Digital Rupee and UPI.
"Digital Rupee and UPI have made life very convenient in the future, but now you still need to carry cash and coins. It is inconvenient," Vikram thought to himself, recognizing the subtle shifts in the ways people navigated the financial landscape.
Author's Note:
Dear readers, your support and engagement mean the world to me. As we dive deeper into Vikram's journey, I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the upcoming chapters. Your creativity and input can add exciting twists and turns to the narrative. Don't hesitate to share your suggestions, and let's make this story even more captivating together! Thank you for being a part of this adventure. 📖💡
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