CHAPTER 20

As October rolled on, the days in the sprawling villa began to blend into a routine that Veer cherished. In the quiet corners of the house, he found solace in the well-stocked library, a treasure trove of knowledge hidden within its walls. The previous owner had amassed an impressive collection, encompassing everything from foundational texts of science, history, and philosophy to language books and intriguing titles on mind manipulation.

Inspired by the potential within these pages, Veer embarked on a journey of learning, determined to build a strong foundation for his future. Each morning after his yoga session, he would eagerly dive into a new book, his mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. 

At first, some concepts felt daunting, swirling in his head like a chaotic storm. He'd frown in concentration, sometimes closing his eyes to take a deep breath. "Little by little," he would remind himself, his mantra echoing in his thoughts. Each small victory—understanding a complex theory, mastering a new word—felt like a stepping stone toward greater knowledge.

With time, his language skills began to flourish. He practiced writing essays and speaking out loud, enjoying the rhythm of new phrases rolling off his tongue. He even attempted to teach Sonia a few words here and there, much to her delight. "Veer, I want to learn the superhero language!" she exclaimed one day, bouncing on her heels. "Can you teach me how to say 'I am strong' in it?"

"Sure! It's 'main majboot hoon!'" he replied, chuckling at her enthusiasm. Sonia repeated it several times, her face a picture of concentration, and then she struck a dramatic pose, arms flexed. "I am strong!" she declared, and they both burst into laughter.

In the evenings, after the sun dipped below the horizon, Veer would meditate in his room, surrounded by the calming presence of the library. He found peace in the quiet, allowing the worries of the day to fade away. Sonia often barged in, her presence a mix of chaos and joy. "Veer! What are you doing?" she'd ask, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Meditating," he'd reply, attempting to keep his voice steady despite the playful chaos she brought. "It helps me focus."

"Focus on what? How to be a boring grown-up?" she teased, plopping down next to him.

"Exactly!" Veer replied, unable to suppress a grin. "Being boring is the key to becoming a superhero."

Sonia giggled, playfully nudging him. "You're the worst superhero ever!" 

Despite her antics, she added an unexpected charm to his days, making each moment feel as memorable as a Christmas day—though, in his past life, he had never celebrated the holiday. Each evening with her brought warmth and laughter, reminders that joy could still flourish amidst uncertainty.

As the month progressed, Veer's commitment to improving his stamina and overall health became evident. He discovered books about yoga that introduced him to new techniques and breathing exercises, allowing him to push his limits. He focused on poses that enhanced flexibility and strength, noticing how his body responded with newfound energy. 

With every passing day, he felt stronger, both physically and mentally. The daily meditation sessions before bed became a cherished ritual, allowing him to connect with his thoughts and feelings more deeply. 

One particularly cool evening, after a long day of study and practice, Veer settled down with a book on philosophy. The gentle hum of the house enveloped him, and he felt a sense of gratitude for the refuge he had found. It was then that Sheena knocked softly on his door, peeking her head in.

"Hey, superhero," she said, smiling. "How's the studying going?"

"Really well! I've been learning a lot about different philosophies. It's fascinating!" Veer replied, his eyes lighting up.

"That's wonderful to hear. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and I believe you're on the right path," Sheena said, her voice filled with encouragement.

"Thanks, Didi," he replied, feeling a surge of motivation. "I want to be strong enough to protect you and Sonia."

Sheena's expression softened, and she ruffled his hair affectionately. "You already are, Veer. Just remember to balance strength with kindness. It's the heart of a true hero."

As the days of October passed, Veer continued to immerse himself in his studies, workouts, and the chaotic joy Sonia brought into his life. Though the memories of his past life lingered in the shadows, he learned to embrace the present, building a future that felt bright with potential.

With November approaching, anticipation buzzed in the air, bringing with it the promise of school, martial arts classes, and a continuation of this incredible journey of self-discovery.

Here's the revised narrative with the added remarks about the "Chinese young master" vibe and the feeling of mobster-like kids approaching Sonia:

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The clock struck 5 a.m. on November 1st, and the villa was still shrouded in the quiet of early morning. Veer stirred awake, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow across his room. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter—school awaited him, and with it, a chance to explore the world beyond the villa's walls.

He jumped out of bed, the cool floor awakening his senses. After completing his usual morning yoga, he felt invigorated. "Time to make today count," he murmured to himself, a determined glint in his eyes.

After his routine, he padded toward the kitchen, where the maids were already bustling about, preparing breakfast. The scent of spices filled the air, but Veer had something specific in mind. "I can help!" he insisted, his youthful enthusiasm shining through. The maids exchanged reluctant glances, unsure whether to allow him into the kitchen, but Veer's resolve was unwavering.

"I promise, I won't mess anything up!" he reassured them, rolling up his sleeves. With a mix of confidence and determination, he began chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients for a nutritious dish he had read about. After a while, the maids couldn't help but smile at his persistence and even offered a few tips. The kitchen soon filled with laughter and the rich aroma of his cooking.

Just as he finished plating the dishes, Sheena and Sonia walked in, the latter still looking half-asleep, her hair tousled and eyes barely open. "What is this delicious smell?" Sheena asked, her brows raised in pleasant surprise.

"I made breakfast!" Veer beamed, proud of his accomplishment. Sonia, still yawning, peered at the spread. "You made all this? But you're not a chef!" she replied, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm not, but I'm learning," he replied, a mischievous grin on his face. "Besides, someone has to keep us healthy, right?"

Sheena chuckled, looking at her son and daughter. "Alright, you two, let's eat before we head out. Sonia, you need to wake up! School starts today, and I want to be there early."

Sonia groaned dramatically, collapsing onto the table. "Do I have to? Can't we just stay home forever?"

"Only if you want to be a potato," Veer teased, earning a playful glare from Sonia.

Once they finished their breakfast, Sheena gathered their bags and prepared them for the day ahead. "Okay, here's the schedule," she announced. "I'll drop you both off at school before heading to work. We'll get you settled in, and then I'll be off to my meetings."

As they stepped outside, Veer couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. The security detail waiting for them gave him a sense of importance, like he was someone significant in this bustling city of Mumbai. He'd never left the villa the entire month, and now, with a glimpse of the outside world, a new curiosity ignited within him.

The car ride was filled with chatter, and as they approached Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Veer's heart raced. *What the hell?* he thought. *I traveled through dimensions and ended up in one of the most prestigious schools in Mumbai?* 

"Wow, look at this place," he whispered, half in awe, half in disbelief. "This must be some kind of joke. I'll be around a bunch of influential kids. Great, just what I need. I feel like a character straight out of a Chinese young master story—surrounded by privileged kids who probably have their own mobsters on speed dial."

Sonia leaned closer, her sleepy demeanor replaced by intrigue. "Is it cool, Veer? Is it better than your last school?"

"Cooler, for sure, but it feels like a trap," he mused, thinking of the possible complexities of his new life. *What if I attract attention? What if some mobsters come looking for Sonia?* 

"Okay, here we are!" Sheena announced as they pulled up to the school gates. Veer's expression turned serious as they approached the entrance, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within him. 

As they got out of the car, he took in the sprawling campus with its manicured lawns and impressive buildings. He turned to say goodbye to Sheena and Sonia when a familiar voice rang out from behind him. "Hey, Sonia! I haven't seen you in a long time!"

Veer felt a surge of annoyance at his own misfortune. He turned to see a boy — *Why did I have to curse myself like this?* 

"Great, just what I need," he muttered under his breath, bracing himself for whatever this new school year had in store.

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