Kabir knew that he had troubled his family by staying dull and listless for the last 3 weeks. He had refused to do any work instructed by his elder siblings and sometimes even his parents. He just didn't want to move from his bed. Scrolling through social media and novels just to escape the depressing reality. Even his elder brother got tired of scolding him for days, he just said.
"Kabir, You will have to get over it and start preparing for your future because our father won't be able to feed us all our lives."
"And my salary is gonna be barely enough for myself."
His elder brother, Adi has just graduated from his college and will be joining a small IT company. Adi's salary is only ₹30,000 ($357) per month and he is going to live in Mumbai where rents for apartments are really huge. Adi too had taken JEE(Joint Entrance Exam) but just like Kabir he also wasn't able to handle the stress and competition. Adi thought at least his younger brother would be able to get into IIT because he was better than him in his studies.
But, Adi was disappointed when he saw Kabir's results. Kabir turned out to be just like him who couldn't overcome the pressure.
At 10 pm, Kabir filled his admission form with new vigor. He was excited about college because the reward from the system couldn't shown to his family. He will have to fabricate some lies and excuses otherwise he won't be able to solve his family member's suspicions.
That night Kabir had refreshing sleep and he was ready to wake up in morning to check the daily check- in.
[Congratulations! You have got ₹500 for Daily Check-in.]
'' So rewards from the system don't count as net worth '' Kabir said.
"I guess I will have to earn money throught hardwork. "Kabir said.
Kabir though he would never have to work for money anymore. But it turns out he can't escape from small hardships. He decided to invest some time in becoming a software engineer.
In the afternoon, Kabir met his brother in his room to inform him about his college. Since the college classes are gonna start from 1st september and seek some advise about learning programming and software development.
"It's good that you are ready for college and this time I want you to focus on your studies because in the IT sector skills are valued. You better start learning some programming languages." Adi said.
"A friend of mine got a really good offer from Microsoft because of his skills. If you can be as good as him then I will be happy." Adi advised.
For the next five days, Kabir was dedicating his time to learning programming languages with passion. Looking at Kabir who was finally becoming serious in his studies brought smiles and relief to his family members.
During those six days, he got ₹3000($35) from the system as a daily check-in. Looking at ₹3000 in his account brought a smile to his face. Since this was the money that he could spend without restriction. Today, was the day he would get his first weekly check-in reward and he woke really in the morning just to know what he got.
[Weekly Check-In is Ready!!]
[Congratulations! You have got ₹2,500($30).]
"I should start earning as soon as possible." Kabir said.
The day to depart for his college was coming closer and his mother had started packing necessities and clothes. He was excited for college but he didn't stop his studies and regularly practiced programming languages. And he even started looking for freelancing work so that he could increase his net worth. Every day he would dream of private jets, sports cars, and world tours, just thinking about them made him thrilled.
On the 30th of August, Kabir and his family were standing at their town's railway station waiting for the train for Jaipur. His mother was saying
"Be careful during your journey and take care of bags. Don't stand on the gate of the train coach and stay away from the kids who consume additive products and Don't forget-"
"I already know that mummy! I will be careful " Kabir consoled his mother.
"It's been 4 years since he has learned to be alone and he will be alright," His father said to his mother. Kabir has spent 2 years in boarding school and another 2 years in Jaipur preparing for JEE.
"He is still 17! " His mother said.
"Alright! The train is coming mummy" Adi said
"Ok! Take care Kabir and don't forget to call when you reach college" His mother urged.
"OK! " Kabir said.
Kabir got onto his train coach and waved to his family.
"Bye! Mummy, Bye! Papa, Bye! Brother"
"Bye! Take care" His mummy said with red eyed.