Chapter 6 : Swiggy??

After speaking with Arjun, Gavaskar turned back toward Advay, who was still holding his bat, his mind replaying the shots he had just played. The boy looked up as the cricketing legend approached, his expression a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

Gavaskar crossed his arms and studied him for a moment before finally speaking. "Advay, do you really want to do this?"

Advay straightened up immediately. "Yes, sir. More than anything."

Gavaskar nodded, his sharp eyes gauging the determination in the boy's voice. "Talent is one thing, but discipline is what makes a player great. Are you willing to put in the work?"

"Yes," Advay replied without hesitation.

A faint smile crossed Gavaskar's face. "Good. From tomorrow, your training begins. And let me be clear—it won't be easy."

Advay's grip on his bat tightened, but he met Gavaskar's gaze steadily.

"Every morning, you'll be up at 4 AM," Gavaskar continued. "The first hour will be stamina training—running, agility drills, endurance work. You'll learn to push your body past its limits. The second hour will be muscle training and strengthening exercises. You'll need to build explosive power, endurance, and stability. The third hour will focus on bowling. Your body needs to be conditioned to handle the stress of long spells without breaking down."

Advay listened intently, already imagining the grueling sessions ahead.

"In the evening," Gavaskar continued, "you'll report at 6 PM. We'll start with stretching and warm-ups to avoid injuries, then move to two hours of focused batting practice. No distractions. No shortcuts. I expect you to apply what you learn every single day. Cricket is not just about talent—it's about discipline, patience, and consistency."

Advay nodded, taking it all in. The schedule was intense, but he was ready.

Gavaskar's expression turned serious. "I expect complete dedication. If you're even a minute late, I won't train you. Do you understand?"

Advay swallowed but nodded firmly. "I understand."

Gavaskar studied him for a long moment, then finally placed a hand on his shoulder. "Good."

He then turned to Arjun. "I'll be staying at the Rai Group's guest house nearby," he informed him. "It's easier for me to personally oversee his progress. I don't take on students often, Arjun, but Advay has something special. If he remains committed, I'll make sure he becomes one of the best in the world."

Arjun was momentarily speechless. He had expected Gavaskar to offer guidance, but for him to personally coach Advay every day? That was beyond his expectations. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I know how valuable your time is."

Gavaskar shook his head. "This isn't about time. It's about potential. And your son has it in abundance. I'll refine it."

As the cricketing legend walked away, Advay exhaled, his heart pounding. This was it. The beginning of his journey.

With the relentless grind of training and academics, four years slipped away like sand through fingers, each day shaping Advay into someone far removed from the carefree child he once was.

Every morning, before the world had fully woken up, he was already on the field—legs burning as he ran his laps, muscles straining under the weight of early morning conditioning, breath steadying with each repetition of carefully structured stamina training. Gavaskar was a hard taskmaster, never allowing laziness to creep in, drilling into him the importance of discipline, precision, and endurance. Strength training followed, every muscle in his body getting sculpted under the rigorous routines set by his coach. Then came bowling—an hour dedicated to refining his technique, working on his control, speed, and variations.

By the time he returned inside, exhausted but never defeated, the mansion was alive with activity. Aditi, now 18 years old, had stepped into a new stage of life. She was in college, studying business management, preparing to take her place alongside their father in running Rai Groups. Though her days were now packed with studies, meetings, and internships, she still made time for him. She would tease him about his growing cricket obsession, act annoyed when he went on about match strategies, but beneath it all, there was an unspoken pride in her eyes.

Advay himself was moving at an accelerated pace. Despite being just 11 years old, he was already studying in Grade 11, his intelligence making it impossible to remain confined to his age group's curriculum. Though he could have easily cleared his 12th-grade exams as well, he had intentionally slowed down, not wanting to stand out too much. He balanced his academics with ease, never letting it interfere with his training, but making sure he kept up his grades to maintain a perfect record.

Evenings were no easier than mornings. After school, he was back in the backyard, where Gavaskar was waiting with that same scrutinizing gaze. Batting training was relentless—shot selection, stance adjustments, footwork drills, reaction time exercises—every detail was analyzed and perfected. At first, Gavaskar had guided him like a promising student, but as the years passed, the approach had changed. Now, he was training Advay like an elite athlete, someone meant for the highest levels of the game. Mistakes were pointed out with brutal honesty, successes acknowledged with nothing more than a nod.

His body had undergone a transformation as well. Where once stood a lean boy, there was now a strong, agile, and well-conditioned athlete. His batting had evolved into something unpredictable—an explosive yet refined blend of aggression and technique. His bowling, though secondary to his batting, had turned into a deadly weapon, combining speed and precision in a way that made him an all-rounder with terrifying potential.

The once playful backyard games with his sister had turned into fierce solo training sessions. The gentle nudges from Gavaskar had become full-fledged strategies to mold him into something far greater than a casual player. And with that, four years had passed. Advay was now 11 years old, studying in Grade 11, standing on the cusp of something extraordinary, the weight of an incredible future pressing down on him, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, he embraced it.

As the cool February breeze drifted through the open windows of the Rai mansion, the family gathered around the grand dining table, enjoying a warm, home-cooked meal. The golden glow of the chandelier above cast a soft light over the elegant spread of dishes, filling the room with an inviting warmth.

Advay, still feeling the slight burn of his evening training session, dug into his food with enthusiasm. Across from him, Aditi was twirling her fork between her fingers, a thoughtful expression on her face. Their parents, Arjun and Ilana, sat at the head of the table, quietly enjoying their meal while listening to their children's conversation.

"So, how's college life treating you?" Advay asked between bites, his curiosity piqued.

Aditi, now eighteen and in her first year of college, smirked as she leaned back in her chair. "It's definitely a different world compared to school. The professors are good, but you have to manage everything on your own. No one's going to remind you about deadlines, and there's way more group work."

Arjun chuckled as he took a sip of water. "That's how real life works. College is about learning responsibility, not just academics."

Ilana, gracefully setting down her spoon, smiled at her daughter. "You're also handling business management classes on the side. Isn't that a lot to juggle?"

Aditi shrugged, a confident glint in her eyes. "It's interesting. Learning how to run a business while studying gives me an edge. Besides, I have Dad to guide me if I ever get stuck."

Advay smirked. "Or maybe you just like bossing people around?"

Aditi narrowed her eyes playfully. "Says the one who wakes up at 4 AM to train like a maniac. What are you, a soldier?"

Advay grinned. "Discipline is key. Gavaskar Sir's words, not mine."

Arjun let out a proud chuckle. "He's not wrong. And speaking of discipline, Aditi, don't let college life make you lazy. You're doing well, but balance is important."

Aditi sighed dramatically. "Yes, yes, Dad. I know."

Ilana shook her head with a soft laugh. "You two never change."

As they ate dinner, the warm glow of the chandelier cast soft shadows across the dining table. The clinking of cutlery and the quiet murmur of conversation filled the air. Advay, finishing the last bite of his meal, set down his spoon and leaned slightly forward.

"Dad, I want to meet the board of directors tomorrow if possible," he said, his tone calm yet firm.

Arjun, in the middle of taking a sip of water, stopped and placed his glass down. He looked at his son with a mix of curiosity and surprise. "The entire board?"

"Yes," Advay nodded without hesitation. "I have a startup idea. I'm not looking to work directly under Rai Groups, but I want to pitch my idea to the board. I'll collaborate with an individual who sees its potential and is willing to invest in me as an entrepreneur."

Silence hung in the air for a brief moment. Aditi, who had been casually scrolling through her phone, suddenly sat up straight. "Wait, what?"

Ilana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "And here I thought you'd ask for a new cricket bat or maybe a video game for your birthday."

Aditi smirked. "Seriously, bro, you're eleven. Who even calls a board meeting at eleven?"

Advay met her teasing look with an amused glance of his own. "Me, obviously."

Arjun, still processing his son's words, leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. His sharp brown eyes studied Advay with the gaze of a seasoned businessman. "You've really thought this through?"

"Completely," Advay affirmed, his emerald-green eyes unwavering. "I've spent years thinking about this, refining my ideas. I know exactly what I want to build, and I know I need the right backing to get started."

Arjun exhaled slowly, a small smirk appearing on his face. His son wasn't just playing around—he was serious.

Ilana, resting her chin on her palm, watched the interaction with a gentle smile. "You really are growing up too fast, aren't you?"

Arjun sighed, still amused. "Fine. If you're this determined, I'll set up the meeting for tomorrow. But remember, business is cutthroat. You'll have to convince them why they should take you seriously."

Advay smiled, confidence shining in his eyes. "I will."

Aditi let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh great, my little brother is becoming a businessman before I even finish my studies. What's next? World domination?"

Advay grinned. "One step at a time."

As the morning sun cast its golden hue over Bengaluru, Advay stood before the full-length mirror in his room, adjusting the cuffs of his perfectly tailored navy-blue suit. The fine fabric hugged his frame flawlessly, its sharp lines accentuating his lean yet athletic physique. The glint of his silver cufflinks added an extra touch of refinement, making him look every bit the part of someone destined to stand at the top.

He ran a hand through his thick, wavy black hair, making sure it fell just right—effortlessly stylish, yet controlled. His emerald-green eyes gleamed under the warm lighting, their sharpness making even the smallest glance feel intense. It wasn't just their rare color that made them mesmerizing, but the depth within them—a gaze that carried wisdom far beyond his years. Even though he was only eleven, he exuded an aura of composure and quiet confidence that would make even seasoned businessmen take notice.

With one final glance in the mirror, he exhaled lightly and stepped out of his room, his polished dress shoes clicking softly against the marble flooring as he walked downstairs. His father, Arjun Rai, looked up from his morning coffee, raising an eyebrow as he took in his son's presence.

"You look sharp," Arjun commented, setting his cup down. "Dressing to impress the board, are we?"

Advay smirked slightly. "First impressions matter, don't they?"

His father chuckled, nodding in approval. Aditi, who was sipping her own coffee, looked at him with amusement. "You look like you're about to buy the entire company, not pitch a startup idea," she teased.

Advay simply shrugged. "Might as well look the part."

After a light breakfast, he stepped outside, where a sleek black luxury sedan awaited him. The driver opened the door respectfully, and Advay slid in with practiced ease. As the car smoothly pulled out of the driveway, he leaned back against the plush leather seat, his mind already shifting into business mode. He had prepared for this moment meticulously. Now, it was time to put everything into action.

The drive through the city was calm, the morning rush of Bengaluru moving in rhythmic chaos outside his tinted windows. The towering skyscrapers reflected the sunlight, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. But inside the car, Advay remained composed, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest as he mentally went over the key points of his pitch.

Soon, the car pulled up in front of Rai Groups' headquarters—a massive glass-and-steel structure that stood as a testament to his father's achievements. The sleek modern facade gleamed under the morning sun, and as the doors of the car opened, Advay stepped out with measured precision.

Almost immediately, heads began turning.

Employees bustling in and out of the grand lobby slowed their steps, their gazes drawn to the young boy who exuded the presence of someone much older. The stark contrast of his fair skin against his jet-black hair, the striking brilliance of his emerald eyes, and the effortless way he carried himself—it all created an image of someone who was meant to be noticed.

"Who is that?"

"Wait… isn't that Mr. Rai's son?"

"He looks like he stepped right out of a royal family."

"The way he walks… it's like he owns the place."

The murmurs and whispers barely registered in Advay's mind as he walked toward the reception desk. The receptionist, momentarily caught off guard, quickly straightened up, offering a polite but slightly nervous smile.

"Good morning, young sir. Mr. Arjun Rai is expecting you. The boardroom has been prepared."

Advay gave a small nod of acknowledgment before stepping toward the private elevator reserved for executives. As the doors slid open and he stepped inside, he caught a glimpse of several employees still sneaking glances in his direction.

The doors closed.

He took a deep breath, his hands sliding into his pockets.

This was it.

His first step into the world of business.

As the heavy wooden doors of the boardroom swung open, Advay stepped inside with a calm and composed demeanor. The spacious room was lined with a long, polished mahogany table, around which sat the board members of Rai Groups—some of the most influential business figures in the country. The walls were adorned with minimalist yet elegant decor, exuding an air of power and professionalism. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Bengaluru's skyline, but Advay's focus remained solely on the people seated before him.

At the head of the table sat his father, Arjun Rai, the Chairman and owner of Rai Groups. He said nothing as Advay entered, merely leaning back in his chair, observing his son with an impassive expression. Though his silence might have seemed indifferent to others, Advay knew better. His father was giving him the space to prove himself, to command the room on his own.

Advay walked to the front of the room with measured steps, exuding confidence far beyond his years. The board members, many of whom had decades of experience in the corporate world, exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. They had been informed that the chairman's son would be presenting an idea, but none of them had expected an eleven-year-old to stand before them like a seasoned entrepreneur.

He stopped at the head of the table, offering a polite but firm greeting. "Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today." His voice was steady, his tone respectful yet assertive.

The board members nodded in acknowledgment, some intrigued, others skeptical.

Advay continued without hesitation. "I understand that my presence here might be unusual, but I assure you that I am not here because of my father's position. I requested this meeting because I have an idea—an opportunity that I believe will revolutionize the way people access food and services in the coming years."

Silence filled the room as the board members sat up a little straighter. He had their attention.

Advay then launched into his presentation, his words flowing effortlessly, his confidence unwavering. He spoke about the rise of the internet, the growing accessibility of mobile technology, and the inevitable shift in consumer behavior. Then, he introduced his idea—an on-demand food delivery platform that would allow people to order meals from restaurants and have them delivered to their doorstep with just a few taps on their phones.

"A system that connects customers, restaurants, and delivery personnel seamlessly," he explained. "No more long waits, no more uncertainty about food delivery. A platform that brings efficiency, convenience, and transparency to the entire process."

As he spoke, his body language remained poised, his explanations crisp and precise, as if he had been in the business world for years. He detailed the logistics, the potential revenue model, the scalability of the concept—not just in India, but globally. The way he presented, with clear market research and insights into consumer psychology, left many board members astonished.

Some exchanged glances, others leaned forward, clearly intrigued. A few, however, still looked unconvinced.

One of them finally spoke. "And what makes you so sure that this will work? Food delivery isn't a new concept, but it has never truly succeeded at scale. What makes your idea different?"

Advay didn't falter. He met the board member's gaze directly. "Timing," he answered smoothly. "The reason it hasn't worked at scale before is because the technology wasn't there yet. Smartphones were expensive, internet access was limited. But that is changing—fast. The next decade will see a massive boom in mobile usage, and people will soon rely on apps for everything. If we enter this market now, we won't just be participants—we'll be pioneers."

A murmur spread across the room. Even those who had been skeptical were now reconsidering.

Arjun, still seated in his chair, remained silent, watching his son with a keen expression. He had expected something impressive, but even he hadn't anticipated this level of clarity and conviction.

Advay concluded his pitch, his voice unwavering. "All I need is an investor—one person from this board willing to back this venture. I am not asking Rai Groups to invest as a company, nor am I asking for favors. I want to prove that this idea stands on its own merit."

Silence.

Then, one of the board members leaned forward, a calculating glint in his eyes.

"I'm listening."