"Character status," Arjun whispered, using the system like a mantra.
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
<
"What does this even mean?" Arjun muttered, scratching his head. "It's like trying to read my Class 12 physics paper-nothing makes any sense!" He was completely lost without a guide or teacher. "That old man said there won't be any manuals or help. He wasn't joking!"
He stared at his hands clenching and opening them, testing this weird reality. Impulsively, he hit a tamarind tree that stood nearby.
"Ow!" he yelped, rubbing his hand. "It hurts! Is this game sending pain signals to my brain? What if I get hit with a sword? Ayyo, it'll feel like a real stabbing!" He shivered at the thought.
Just then, when he was thinking deeply about his predicament, a sweet, tinkling voice called out behind him.
"Eh, Bhaiyya. excuse me?"
Startled, Arjun turned around to find a small girl in bright red kurta-pyjama, clutching a red ball in one hand and a worn book in the other. Her braided hair was adorned with jasmine flowers, and her eyes sparkled like marbles in the midday sun.
'How did she get so close without me noticing?' Arjun thought. 'And what's a kid doing in this jungle? Is there a village nearby?'
"Are you an NPC or a Player?" Arjun asked diffidently.
The girl cocked her head, looking perplexed. "NPC? Player? Meera is just Meera!"
Arjun blinked. "So your name is Meera? Mine's Arjun."
"Arjun Bhaiyya," she said with an innocent smile. "How did you come into my family's aangan?"
"Aangan? This jungle is your garden?" Arjun asked, dumbfounded.
She nodded vigorously. If this sprawling forest was her family's backyard, what kind of palace did they live in? He couldn't even fathom.
"I didn't mean to intrude," Arjun said, trying to sound contrite. "An old man threw me here. I'll leave right away—can you show me the way out?"
But to his surprise, the little girl shook her head. "You're here already. Why don't you play with Meera?"
"You want me to play with you?" Arjun asked, astonished.
"Meera is always alone. Nobody plays with me."
"What about your family?"
"They're all busy," she said, her tone tinged with sadness.
Arjun's heart melted. He himself had lain in bed and spent so many lonely days, longing to go out and play with his younger sister. Well, this was a second chance; why not take it?
"Alright, this Bhaiyya will play with you," he said, thumping his chest with exaggerated pride.
Meera's face lit up like a diya during Diwali. "Let's play with the ball!" she exclaimed.
And then they started playing catch and throw; he was taken aback by her energy. Hours swooped by, yet Meera did not tire. Meanwhile, he was dripping with sweat, panting as if he had run a marathon.
After a short break, Arjun decided to attempt cultivation, as the old man and Meera had both mentioned it.
Arjun sat cross-legged in the lotus position and then activated the "Heaven's First Secret Art--Consuming Heaven Technique".
You have cultivated for the first time, unlocking Qi Experience
<<5/5,000>>
<<10/5,000>>
(The body felt a cool sensation-like being submerged into the cold waters of Ganga on a hot summer day.)
(Congratulations! You have transcended your mortal bindings and become a First-Level Spirit Apprentice! All stats +100.)
("Congratulations, Bhaiyya!" Meera cheered, clapping her hands.)
("It's all because of you, Meera," Arjun said with a grateful smile.)
Meanwhile, chaos went live in the real world.
A Mumbai-based leading gaming firm announced a bounty of ₹10 lakh for "Player Arjun's" identity. Theories over the mystery player's identity multiplied manifold at forums and social media- a professional gamer, celebrity, or simply just a lucky noob?
Virtual reality gaming had engulfed India, and half its population logged in every day. Top players were treated as Bollywood stars, and the pros made crores of money every year. An early announcement of a Divine Skill sent shockwaves across the community.
Back in the game, Arjun had to say a sad goodbye to Meera, promising to return soon. "If I don't come back, may I eat a thousand neem leaves!" he swore upon his honor and pride.
"Don't, please!" Meera replied, her face a cute pout.
Logging off, Arjun came back to the real world, greeted by his sister, Ananya.
"How was it, Bhaiyya?" she asked as she readjusted his bed.
"It was. magical," he said dreamily. "What's for dinner?
"Dal khichdi and ghee," she said, placing the tray beside him.
As she helped him eat, Arjun smiled. "One day, Ananya, I'll repay everything you've done for me."
"You just focus on getting better, Bhaiyya. That will be enough for me," she said with a gentle smile.
Later, as she tucked him in for the night, Arjun asked her to put the VR helmet back on.
"Already? You're getting addicted!" Ananya teased.
"Just one more hour," he begged.
Sliding the helmet over his head, Arjun whispered, "Log in."
The game's brilliant world welcomed him back, and standing under the moonlit banyan tree was Meera, her eyes aglow with delight.