The next morning, with a newfound determination, Rudra sat down, notebook in hand, and dove into researching India's emerging stock market. He knew he needed rapid wealth creation to lay a solid foundation for his ambitions. Long-term investments wouldn't be enough for his immediate needs— he needed stocks that would yield significant gains within a few years, fast-tracking his path toward influence and resources.
After hours of digging through his memories and making rough calculations, Rudra's mind settled on two tech companies he recalled as early champions of India's upcoming IT boom: Tipro and Intosys. He remembered Tipro's stock was around 1 rupee per share, or $0.02 USD, while Intosys was at 2 rupees per share, or about $0.05 USD. These companies would soon ride a wave of international demand and innovation, reshaping India's economy and market identity.
In addition to these, he also noted down Invidia, a U.S.-based tech stock. He remembered its potential vividly—it would become a powerhouse in computing and graphics in the near future. But investing in it would be trickier, as it involved foreign markets and required greater resources. With his dependency on the Batra family, Invidia would have to wait, but it remained in his sights for the future.
As Rudra analyzed his investment options, a dilemma struck him: he was only eight years old. Legally, he couldn't invest, and convincing anyone to place money based solely on his insights seemed nearly impossible. No matter how sure he was, the Batras would likely view any financial advice from a child as simply absurd, especially when it involved picking stocks.
The challenge, therefore, wasn't just finding profitable stocks—it was gaining the Batras' trust in his market intuition. He sat back, staring at the notepad, and ran through the possibilities. He'd already hinted to Karan that he had an interest in economics and market trends. But now he needed to transform that hint into something more: a demonstration of genuine interest and skill.
After careful thought, an idea struck him—a subtle plan that would unfold over the next two months. If he could cultivate Karan's interest in his analysis skills, he might eventually position himself to ask for shares as a birthday gift. With the right approach, this could come across as more than a whim, helping the Batras see the potential he saw so clearly.
Over the following days, Rudra set out to make his plan reality. He started casually mentioning economic insights and market trends whenever he and Karan had a chance to talk. In his free time, he pretended to study the basics of economics, framing his growing knowledge as the natural curiosity of a bright, young mind.
One evening, Rudra mentioned the sudden rise in demand for computer technology and software in the West. "Isn't it interesting, Uncle? There are companies here in India that are starting to provide those services, and it's almost like the whole world will need more of it soon."
Karan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Rudra's observations but still wary of attributing too much depth to the thoughts of an eight-year-old. "It is interesting," Karan replied, "but technology is a complicated industry. It's a risky place to invest."
Rudra nodded, mirroring Karan's thoughtful expression. "Maybe… but those who take the risk could see huge rewards, right? Especially if they start small and grow big. I read that some of these companies provide services at a fraction of what they'll cost in a few years."
This exchange sparked curiosity in Karan, though he didn't fully realize how meticulously Rudra was guiding these conversations. Day by day, Rudra chipped away at any reservations Karan might have, slipping bits of insight that hinted at his growing understanding of the market and where things were headed. He knew he needed to build a balance between appearing like an unusually curious child and showcasing enough insight to catch Karan's interest.
Rudra continued to study Tipro and Intosys, memorizing details he could use to back his statements. He carefully planned how he would bring up these stocks, aiming to reveal just enough of his knowledge to gain Karan's trust. As his birthday approached, he knew he would soon be in the perfect position to ask for his "birthday gift."
He practiced his pitch in his head countless times. When the day finally came, he would frame his interest in a way that would appear as a child's curiosity rather than a business scheme. He would start by mentioning how he'd noticed certain patterns in companies with steady growth, explaining how some smaller stocks might grow if given a few years. Then, after drawing Karan in, he would ask to invest in Tipro and Intosys as a symbolic gift for his birthday—a minor investment that would give him a "stake" in these companies' journeys.
The idea of being a shareholder, he would explain, was thrilling to him. And if the stocks performed as he anticipated, Karan would likely see it as a valuable lesson in both patience and understanding the market.
As Rudra's birthday approached, he fine-tuned every part of his strategy, preparing to present it casually yet compellingly. He made a list of points he'd bring up, ensuring he would come across as naturally as possible.
When the time came, he knew he'd have to play his part flawlessly. He was ready, prepared to lead Karan to make the decision he needed, while letting it feel like it was entirely his idea. With his goal clear, Rudra was determined to make this first crucial investment a reality. This was just the beginning, but he knew if he could pull this off, it would open doors to the future he envisioned.