Sunlight poured through the tall windows of my room, casting golden streaks across the polished wooden floor. The cheerful chirping of birds filled the air, a lively melody that tugged me from the depths of sleep. A gentle voice broke through the morning haze, soft and melodic, like a lullaby in reverse. "Young master, please wake up."
My eyes fluttered open, and there she stood—Sakshi. Her smile was a quiet warmth, her beauty so striking it nearly stole my breath. She was the first face I'd seen when I awoke in this unfamiliar life, in this body that carried the name Anil. Even now, days later, her presence still caught me off guard, a reminder of how strange and vivid this world was.
I rose from the bed, shaking off the last threads of drowsiness. The basin waited by the window, and I splashed cool water on my face, grounding myself in the moment. Sakshi stepped forward, her movements graceful as she began to help me dress. Her hands smoothed the fabric of my shirt, adjusting the collar with care. It was my first time having someone—let alone a beautiful girl—dress me, and a flush of awkwardness crept up my neck. I clenched my jaw, willing my expression to stay neutral. Don't let it show, I told myself. She didn't seem to notice, her focus as steady as ever.
Breakfast was a quiet affair, the clinking of cutlery against plates the only sound in the grand dining hall. Afterward, I retreated to my study, a sanctuary lined with books and the faint scent of old paper. I sank into the leather chair behind my desk, my mind a tangle of memories—Anil's, mine, and the blurred edges where they collided. I needed to make sense of them, to chart the path ahead in this second chance at life.
"Sakshi," I called, my voice cutting through the stillness.
The door opened, and she appeared, her posture poised yet unassuming. "Master?"
"Call Vinod," I said, my thoughts already drifting to him. "Tell him to come meet me." Vinod—Anil's rock, his most loyal friend, a brother in all but blood. Even in the previous life, he'd stood by Anil until the bitter end. His loyalty was a cornerstone I could build on.
"Ok," Sakshi replied with a nod, then slipped out as swiftly as she'd come.
I leaned back, staring at the sunlight spilling across the desk. The weight of two lives pressed against me, but so did the spark of possibility. This was a new day—and I intended to make it count.
An hour later, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," I said, straightening in my chair.
The door creaked open, and Vinod stepped inside, closing it quietly behind him. He was a sturdy figure, his presence steady and familiar, like an anchor in a storm. "Boss," he said, his voice low but warm.
"Come, sit. We need to talk." I gestured to the chair across from me, and he settled into it, his eyes meeting mine with the quiet respect I'd come to expect.
I didn't waste time. "I've decided to leave Reliance and start my own business."
Vinod's eyebrows lifted slightly, but he recovered quickly. "Congratulations, boss," he said, the words coming fast, though I caught the undercurrent of surprise in his tone. True to form, he didn't question me, waiting instead for what came next.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. "Father's given me 50 crore to prove myself. I'm not here to play small, Vinod. I've decided on a short-term investment, something big—but it means we need to move fast. We're going to Japan."
His expression didn't waver, but I saw the gears turning behind his eyes. "Japan," he repeated, as if testing the word.
"Book three first-class flights as soon as possible," I continued. "You, me, and Sakshi. We leave when it's arranged."
"Ok, boss," he said, his voice steady now, the surprise replaced by resolve. He rose, then paused. "Anything else?"
"Tell Sakshi to come in," I said, watching as he nodded and headed for the door.
Moments later, Sakshi entered, her soft footsteps barely audible against the floor. "Master?" she said, her voice as gentle as ever.
"Sakshi, pack your bags," I told her, keeping my tone firm but kind. "You're coming with me to Japan. Make all the necessary preparations."
"Ok, master," she replied, her expression calm and unquestioning. She turned and left, the door closing softly behind her.
I stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the sprawling estate below. Japan was just the beginning—a single move in a much larger game. The 50 crore in my hands was more than money; it was a chance to carve my name into this world. And with Vinod and Sakshi by my side, I was ready to take the first step.