Nitish Kumar's life ended in the most undignified way possible.
It wasn't a heroic sacrifice saving someone from a burning building. It wasn't even something remotely cool, like being struck by lightning while playing guitar on a rooftop during a storm. No, Nitish died because of a vending machine. A vending machine .
The earthquake had been mild—barely enough to rattle the windows—but it was just enough to tip over the ancient soda dispenser outside his college cafeteria. And wouldn't you know it? Nitish happened to be standing right under it, trying to coax out a can of Coke that refused to drop despite him punching button B7 three times already.
One loud crash, a muffled scream, and several crushed ribs later, Nitish found himself floating in what could only be described as "heaven's waiting room." The place looked suspiciously like one of those minimalist coffee shops where everything is white except for a single potted plant in the corner.
And then she appeared.
Goddess: [snapping her fingers dramatically]
"Welcome, mortal! You have reached the afterlife. I am Lady Lysandra, goddess of fate, destiny, and… well, mostly paperwork."
Nitish: [blinking rapidly]
"Wait, hold up. Are you serious? A goddess? Like… actual divine intervention kind of stuff?"
Lysandra: [rolling her eyes]
"Yes, mortal. Do I look like an HR representative here to discuss your retirement plan?"
Nitish: [scratching his head]
"I mean, no offense, but this feels a little… anticlimactic. Shouldn't there be clouds? Or harps? Maybe some singing cherubs throwing rose petals around?"
Lysandra: [pinching the bridge of her nose]
"Do you want me to send you back so you can die again properly? Perhaps next time we'll aim for something more dramatic—a shark attack, maybe?"
Nitish: [quickly waving his hands]
"No, no! This is fine. Totally fine. Just… wow. So, uh, am I dead?"
Lysandra: [sighing theatrically]
"Incredibly observant. Yes, you are dead. Killed by a vending machine. Truly tragic. But fear not, mortal! Your untimely demise has earned you a rare opportunity: reincarnation into another world!"
Nitish: [eyes widening]
"Whoa, wait. Reincarnation? As in, I get to start over? Like, full-on 'power fantasy' mode?"
Lysandra: [smirking]
"Precisely. Choose wisely, though. There are countless worlds available, each with its own rules, challenges, and rewards."
Nitish didn't need to think twice. His mind immediately flooded with images of epic battles, magical powers, and harem-filled adventures. He'd spent years devouring comics, manga, and light novels—this was his chance to live the dream!
But before he could dive into the catalog of options, memories of his past life came rushing back. Specifically, memories of Janvi Patel.
Flashback: The Girl Who Broke His Heart
Janvi Patel was perfect. At least, that's how Nitish saw her. She was smart, funny, effortlessly beautiful, and completely oblivious to the fact that Nitish existed beyond nodding hello in the hallway.
For months, Nitish had worked up the courage to ask her out. He practiced his lines in front of the mirror every night:
"Hey, Janvi, do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?""If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard.""Is your name Google? Because you've got everything I've ever searched for."
None of them made it past rehearsal.
Finally, one fateful evening after class, Nitish mustered all his courage and approached her.
Nitish: [stammering]
"Uh, hey, Janvi. So, um, I was wondering… would you maybe want to grab coffee sometime? Or tea? Whatever you prefer!"
Janvi: [blinking in surprise]
"Oh, Nitish! That's really sweet of you, but… I'm not really looking to date anyone right now. Sorry."
Nitish: [heart shattering into a million pieces]
"Oh. Uh, yeah, totally cool. No worries. Cool. Bye!"
And that was that. Or so he thought.
A week later, Nitish spotted Janvi walking out of the gym with some guy who looked like he bench-pressed small cars for fun. They were laughing, holding hands, and generally radiating couple energy so strong it gave Nitish secondhand embarrassment.
Back to the Present (Sort Of)
Nitish: [gritting his teeth]
"That's why I need this second chance. Screw Janvi. Screw her stupid gym boyfriend. Screw everything about my old life. If I'm getting reincarnated, I'm going all-in. Give me the hardest, crappiest starting point you've got. Let's see if I can't turn trash into treasure."
Lysandra: [raising an eyebrow]
"You're sure about this? Most mortals go for the easy route—prodigy mage, chosen hero, wealthy noble scion…"
Nitish: [interrupting]
"Nah. Too predictable. Gimme Option #472. The despised noble scion. Weak stats, ruined reputation, hated by everyone. Perfect setup for a comeback story."
Lysandra: [chuckling softly]
"As you wish, mortal. But remember, choices have consequences. Even gods cannot undo what you set in motion."
Nitish: [grinning mischievously]
"One last thing, though. Can you throw in a bonus request?"
Lysandra: [crossing her arms]
"This isn't a fast-food menu, mortal. What is it?"
Nitish: [leaning forward eagerly]
"Reincarnate Janvi too. Same world. Make her part of a rival faction or something. Let's see how she likes being on the other side of rejection for once."
Lysandra: [pausing thoughtfully]
"Bold move. Very well. Consider it done. Now, prepare yourself, Nitish Kumar—or rather, Kael Ardyn. Your new life awaits."
As the goddess waved her hand, Nitish felt a strange sensation wash over him. His vision blurred, his body tingled, and suddenly, he was gone.
Somewhere far away, in a sprawling kingdom filled with magic and intrigue, a young noble named Kael Ardyn opened his eyes for the first time.
Little did he know, his greatest challenge wouldn't be defeating enemies or mastering forgotten magics—it would be facing the girl who broke his heart, reborn as Lady Seraphine Elarion.