The challenge

Ten days had elapsed since the accident, and Arjun had amassed a substantial number of experience points. In his quest for information, he diligently scoured his college portal, hoping to uncover any news about the incident. However, his efforts proved futile as no updates or mentions of the suicide surfaced.

Undeterred, Arjun extended his search to various websites, determined to unravel the mystery surrounding his supposed demise. Despite his persistent efforts, the online realm remained silent, offering no clues or explanations.

As he grappled with the enigma of his own existence, Arjun felt a deep reluctance to contact his real parents. Although he retained their contact details in his memory, attempting to make the call proved to be an insurmountable challenge. The emotional barrier prevented him from reaching out, even if it was merely to reassure himself of his well-being.

The internal conflict intensified as Arjun contemplated the possibility of revealing his survival to his parents. The fear of their reaction and the uncertainty surrounding his altered circumstances weighed heavily on him. Despite knowing he could speak of himself, the unspoken barrier held him back, leaving him in a state of internal turmoil as he grappled with the complexities of his dual existence.

In a quaint village in Maharashtra, an elderly couple resided in a modest house. The woman, filled with concern, expressed to her husband the perplexing question of why their son would contemplate suicide. She reminisced about his joyful demeanor and the regular calls they used to share, creating a stark contrast to the current situation.

The woman revealed to her husband that she had journeyed to their son's college, hoping to uncover the truth behind his apparent suicide. However, her efforts were met with resistance, as the college authorities withheld information. Even attempts to engage with the students yielded no responses, leaving her in the dark about the circumstances surrounding their son's demise.

As the couple shared their distress, the man disclosed a startling revelation to his wife — they were, in fact, Arjun's real parents. The complexities of Arjun's existence unfolded as he inhabited another body under the same name. The uncertainty regarding the fate of his true parents added another layer to the enigma surrounding Arjun's dual life, leaving everyone unaware of whether his parents were alive or had met an unknown fate.

In the serene night of Varanasi, Arjun shared a heartfelt dinner with his parents in his current body. Embracing the identity associated with the name, Arjun found solace in their company. As they sat together for the meal, a sense of reconciliation filled the air.

Moved by a surge of remorse, Arjun rose from his seat and humbly bowed before his parents, expressing sincere apologies. "Forgive me," he uttered, acknowledging the distress his actions may have caused them. Witnessing their son's genuine remorse, his mother, in turn, lifted him up and began feeding him with her own hands.

Arjun's father, acknowledging the sincerity of his son's apology, reassured him, "Son, we've already forgiven you. There was no need for this gesture. We understand and have moved past it. Your actions, though challenging, couldn't diminish the love and forgiveness we hold for you." In that moment of shared understanding, the bond between Arjun and his parents strengthened, fostering a renewed sense of connection and acceptance.

After dinner, Arjun retreated to his room, eager to explore the Phoenix system. In his exploration, he stumbled upon an "About" section, piquing his curiosity. Intrigued, he attempted to access the board area but found himself at a loss, uncertain of where to navigate next.

As he delved deeper, a cascade of errors disrupted Arjun's understanding of the system. Frustration crept in as he grappled with the enigmatic issues hindering his exploration. Turning to Phoenix for answers, Arjun sought clarification, yet the system remained silent, leaving him in a state of confusion.

Struggling to comprehend the nature of these errors and the obstacles preventing him from accessing certain features, Arjun faced a daunting challenge. The once-familiar Phoenix system now seemed shrouded in mystery, prompting him to unravel the complexities that lay beneath the surface.

The following morning, Arjun, resigned to the fact that Phoenix wouldn't provide answers, decided to let go of his quest for understanding and opted for a good night's sleep. However, his tranquility was shattered when he discovered the impending release of exam results.

As Arjun anxiously checked his 10th board exam results, his dismay grew. The Arjun in this reality had failed in all subjects. Frustration and anger welled up within him, questioning how this version of himself could falter so significantly in academic pursuits. The revelation left him grappling with a mixture of emotions, contemplating the implications of this unexpected failure.

Arjun's father, Rajat, couldn't hide his disappointment upon checking the results. Turning to his wife, Meenakshi, he expressed his frustration. "Meenakshi, go to school today. Talk to the teacher, fill out the form for the re-exam, and find out when it will be held."

Meenakshi, determined to address the situation, assured her husband, "Rajat, I'll handle it. I'll inquire about the exam details and also discuss the expenses. I'll remind Arjun to focus on studying a bit more."

Once Rajat left, Meenakshi and Arjun shared a quiet dinner before preparing for their visit to St. Xavier's High School. The outcome of Arjun's 10th board exam had set in motion a plan to rectify the situation and ensure a better future.

Arjun and Meenakshi hurriedly made their way to the staff room to meet Arjun's class teacher. As they faced the teacher, a barrage of insults was directed at Arjun. The teacher questioned Arjun's abilities and demeaned him, revealing a pattern of belittling behavior.

Arjun, recalling the teacher's penchant for insulting others to boost his own ego, restrained himself from reacting impulsively. The urge to confront the teacher was strong, but Arjun resisted the temptation.

When Meenakshi, with a humble request, sought assistance for Arjun in the upcoming exam, the class teacher's response was cruel. Dismissing the plea, the teacher insulted Arjun further, declaring an unwillingness to help a "mental child." The encounter left both Arjun and Meenakshi grappling with the harsh reality of prejudice and indifference within the educational system.

Arjun's anger boiled over as the class teacher continued with derogatory remarks, questioning his worth and suggesting he should be sent to a "handicapped school." The teacher's insensitivity reached a breaking point when he demeaned Arjun and Meenakshi's relationship, insinuating that they shouldn't be living together.

Unable to contain his rage, Arjun erupted in fury, shouting back at the teacher. "I think you need a doctor, you bloody dog!" The exchange escalated, with Arjun confronting the teacher's offensive comments with a surge of anger and frustration. The disrespectful encounter highlighted the urgent need for awareness and empathy within the educational environment.

In the midst of the heated exchange, the teacher, incensed by Arjun's comparison, issued a challenge. "If you pass with good marks this time, I will apologize," he declared, wearing a devilish smile. The teacher seemed confident that Arjun would not meet this expectation.

Little did the teacher know, Arjun had undergone significant changes and was unfazed by such challenges. Arjun, silently determined to teach the teacher a lesson, accepted the challenge. Despite the teacher's skepticism, Arjun's newfound resolve and transformation remained hidden, setting the stage for a surprising turn of events in the journey ahead.

End of the chapter