Chapter 17: Unconventional Gifts

Rudra woke up later than usual, his mind still buzzing with the details of China's recent economic policies he had been reading about late into the night. After freshening up, he headed to the kitchen. The warm aroma of breakfast greeted him as he saw Kiran bustling about, slicing vegetables.

Kiran noticed him and smiled. "Good morning, Rudra! It seems someone decided to be lazy today," she teased gently. "Since your winter vacation is going on, I thought I'd let you sleep in, but it was getting quite late, and I was just about to wake you up."

Rudra returned her smile. "Good morning, Aunty, and thank you for letting me sleep in."

Kiran nodded, pleased. "Sit at the dining table. I'll bring your breakfast in a minute."

Rudra settled down, observing the way sunlight streamed through the kitchen window. Soon, Kiran placed a plate of steaming parathas in front of him. As he began eating, a thought struck him. He looked up and asked, "Aunty, where's Uncle? I didn't see him around."

Kiran chuckled and ruffled his hair affectionately. "He's out, running an important errand," she said with a playful glint in her eyes. "In fact, he's looking into someone's special gift." She pinched his cheek lightly, causing Rudra's face to redden.

Rudra attempted to hide his embarrassment, focusing on his plate. Kiran added, "Finish your breakfast and bring the plates to the kitchen when you're done. I'll be cutting the vegetables in the meantime." With that, she returned to her work.

Rudra chewed thoughtfully, her words lingering in his mind. So, Uncle has agreed… A small smile crept across his face as he realized how much smoother this could make things. Once Karan saw Rudra's interest wasn't random, but grounded in genuine knowledge and ambition, future investments would be easier to secure.

Yet, the smile faded into a frown. This is just the beginning, he reminded himself. The road ahead is long, and what I have now is only a drop in the ocean. His goals required strategic thinking, and he resolved to keep moving forward.

After breakfast, Rudra cleared the table and helped Kiran briefly in the kitchen before heading to his room. He reviewed the bonds he had been building with the Singh family. Over the past few months, Rudra had grown particularly close to Sneha and Aarav. Sneha, once an accomplished helicopter pilot, admired his interest in geopolitics and economics. He had shared with her his dream of becoming a business tycoon, and surprisingly, she had been supportive.

"I think it's wonderful," Sneha had told him during one of their conversations. "Not everyone has to follow the same path. If your heart is set on building a business, go for it. The country needs strong and capable individuals in every field, not just the military."

Her words had left a lasting impression on him. With Aarav aiming for a future in the Indian Army, Sneha seemed to appreciate the balance Rudra's ambitions brought to the family dynamic.

Still, Rudra knew this support came with its challenges. Asking for something as unconventional as stocks as a gift from the Singh family would undoubtedly raise eyebrows. Yet, he was determined. His dream required bold steps, and he decided to visit the Singhs later that day under the pretense of playing with Aarav.

That afternoon, Rudra arrived at the Singh residence. Aarav greeted him enthusiastically, dragging him toward the living room where a chessboard awaited.

"Rudra, let's play a match! I've been practicing and might finally beat you today," Aarav declared confidently.

Rudra chuckled. "We'll see about that."

As the boys settled into their game, Sneha walked into the room, carrying a tray of juice and snacks. "Don't let Aarav distract you too much, Rudra. He can be quite competitive," she teased, setting the tray down.

Rudra smiled politely. "Thank you, Aunty. I enjoy playing with Aarav; he's improving a lot."

Sneha sat down beside them, observing their game for a moment. "By the way, Rudra," she said, "your interest in economics and geopolitics is quite impressive for someone your age. Where does that come from?"

Rudra hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "I've always been curious about how the world works—how decisions in one part of the world can impact everything else. It's fascinating to see how economies shape nations."

Sneha nodded, clearly impressed. "That's a mature perspective. Aarav, maybe you should take some notes from Rudra," she said, half-joking.

"Mom!" Aarav protested, though he grinned at the compliment.

As the game continued, Rudra thought about the perfect moment to broach the subject of his gift. After Aarav declared victory in their third match (though barely), Rudra saw an opportunity.

"Hmm" he began, "I will definitely beat you next time when you come over at my birthday."

We will see about that Aarav responded while laughing.

On hearing about birthday Sneha remember about it infact Kiran had discussed with her about it over a call and how she was a bit worried about Rudra as it was his first birthday without his parents. Sneha told Kiran that Rudra is a strong willed child. Now remembering about she decided to ask him about what he wanted as an gift.

Rudra what gift do you want from your aunty for your birthday? she asked with an smile.

Seeing the opportunity present it self Rudra quickly responded aunty as know i am interested in buisness so i would love to have books related buisness autobiography of buisness tycoons inface i....Rudra acted to be embarrassed and stopped in mid sentence

Sneha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on, Rudra. What is it? You don't have to be reserved in front of your aunty.

"Well, Iif Aunty is planning to get me a gift, then I was wondering if… instead of a regular gift, you could get me something different. Maybe… stocks or mutual funds?"

There was a moment of silence before Sneha burst into laughter. Aarav looked confused, but Sneha quickly composed herself.

"Stocks? At your age?" she asked, a mix of amusement and admiration in her tone.

Rudra nodded earnestly. "I know it sounds unusual, but I've been reading about the stock market and how it works. It's something I'm genuinely interested in. It might seem odd now, but I believe it could be a great learning experience for me."

Sneha studied him for a moment, her expression softening. "You never cease to amaze me, Rudra. I'll talk to your Uncle about it. He might find it unconventional, but he values ambition and practicality."

Rudra felt a wave of relief but kept his emotions in check. "Thank you, Aunty. It means a lot to me."

"Just promise me one thing," Sneha said, leaning forward. "Keep learning and asking questions. The world is complex, and understanding it takes time. You have the potential to do great things, Rudra. Don't waste it."

Her words struck a chord in him, and he nodded solemnly. "I promise, Aunty."

Well on that note suppose you uncle aggees then what stock you would like to have? surely you already have a company or companies in mind?

Aunty i think tipro and Intosys will have a great scope for growth but for now i would like to have few shares of Hero Motocorp as i am trying check my understanding of market and also having it my portfolio will help keeping am eye on it since i would have a sense of responsibility.

Very well rudra Sneha responded and with that this discussion came to end Rudra played with Aarav for some more time then went home with a satisfied smile.

Later, as Rudra walked back home, he reflected on the day. The support from Sneha was a significant step forward. With her influence, convincing Karan and Vikram to invest in his ambitions seemed more achievable.

Karan greeted him at the door, noticing the thoughtful look on his face. "How was your day at the Singhs?" he asked.

Rudra smiled. "It went well, Uncle. Aarav beat me at chess."

Karan laughed. "He must be thrilled. Dinner is almost ready lets head over there."

After dinner rudra went to his room and fell asleep as he was really tired.