The Boy Who Returned

Pain.

A dull ache crawled through Arjun's body as sunlight stabbed through a cracked window, landing squarely on his face. Dust particles danced in the beam, shimmering like they were celebrating his misery.

His eyelids peeled open, and the unfamiliar ceiling instantly put him on edge. The bed felt smaller, the walls rougher, and the air hung heavy with the scent of damp concrete, old wood, and — sweat?

He sat up fast, only for his head to spin. That's when he saw his arms — thin, wiry, and awkward. The oversized, faded cricket jersey hung on his frame like a borrowed dream.

"What the…" His voice cracked. High-pitched. Teenage.

That's when the memories crashed in — Blood. Boots. Betrayal.

The night outside the stadium when he confronted the corrupt selectors. His so-called best friend sold him out. What followed was a savage beating — bones snapping, hope dying.

He never woke up from that.

But here he was. Alive. Sixteen. In his own past — but not quite.

Staggering toward the grimy mirror, he stared into the reflection. A boy with messy black hair, sharp cheekbones, and fierce eyes that belonged to someone who'd already lived and lost everything.

"Sixteen…" Arjun whispered, fingers tracing his unfamiliar jawline.

His eyes caught the calendar pinned beside the door.

June 1st, 2013.

He almost laughed. Twelve years back. Back when dreams were still dreams — and reality hadn't yet taught him how cruel it could be.

The room itself screamed struggle. A cramped single room in a government orphanage. Cricket gear scattered everywhere — broken bat handle, torn gloves, a ball with its seam half undone. A cheap Nokia phone sat on the desk like a relic from another age.

Arjun grabbed it, fingers dancing over the buttons.

No touchscreen. No high-speed internet. Just enough to check the day's news.

Headlines – June 1st, 2013:

"India Tour of England Begins Next Month.""IPL Expands: Two New Teams in 2014.""BCCI Allows Indian Players to Join Foreign Leagues."

That last line hit like a yorker to the toe.

In his previous life, BCCI locked players inside their golden cage — no IPL star could touch leagues like BBL, PSL, CPL, or SA20. But here… here they could go anywhere.

"This isn't just my past. This is a jackpot." Arjun's eyes gleamed.

More matches. More money. More women.

The holy trinity of playboy success.

But he needed proof this wasn't some fever dream. Staying inside wouldn't cut it.

Outside the Orphanage

The street outside hadn't changed — potholes swallowing wheels, chai stalls overflowing with gossip, kids smashing rubber balls in a gully cricket match, and the constant symphony of honking scooters.

Yet something felt… sharper. More alive.

He bought a copy of Cricket Samrat from the newspaper stand.

Front page — a younger Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni with full jet-black hair, and Rohit Sharma without his dad-bod. Time had rewound, but the players were the same legends-in-waiting.

Further down, his eyes locked onto a golden list:

Upcoming T20 Leagues Open for Indian Players:

BBL (Australia): December - FebruaryPSL (Pakistan): February - MarchCPL (West Indies): August - SeptemberSA20 (South Africa): JanuaryT10 Super League (UAE): November

Arjun's heart raced. This wasn't just cricket anymore. This was business.

Global leagues meant signing bonuses, sponsorship deals, investment openings, and global fame. Cricket wasn't just a game here — it was a billion-dollar industry.

"This time… I'm not just playing. I'm owning." Arjun grinned.

Then, like fate had been waiting for his greed to awaken, a golden screen popped into his vision.

[System Activation Complete]

User: Arjun Mishra

Age: 16

Status: Street Cricketer Nobody

Goal: Build the Greatest Cricket Empire on Earth

"What the—"

Before the shock could settle, a sultry, playful voice filled his head.

"Rise and shine, cutie! Welcome to the Sania 2.0 System — part career coach, part finance guru, full-time naughty cheerleader. Let's make you a cricket king and the hottest player off the field too!"

Arjun blinked. "Why does my system sound like a… drunk air hostess?"

"Because boring systems are for losers. You're a future trillionaire playboy! You deserve a system with curves." She giggled. "Now, baby — ready to conquer the pitch and my heart?"

"…This is gonna be weird."

"Wait… if you're a system, does that mean you can make me hit sixes with my eyes closed? Swing the ball like Wasim Akram? Walk into Team India tomorrow?"

DING!

System Rules Explained:

No cheat skills. No free passes.Every attribute must be earned through real performance, training, or investments.Charm and Business Sense grow through real interactions and deals.Play smart — the cricket world can make you filthy rich… or bury you in scandals.Sania 2.0 may flirt, but only success unlocks her 'special scenes'. 😉

Arjun's smirk faded. No shortcuts. Just brutal grind and smart hustle.

"This isn't a system. This is a damn start-up business plan."

"Oh, don't sulk, handsome." Sania purred. "Stick with me, and by 25, you'll have world records, supermodels, and private islands fighting for your attention."

"…I do like the sound of that."

[Initial Talent Scan Complete]

Starting Attributes (Out of 100):

Attribute

Rating

Comment

Batting

38

Talent exists, technique doesn't.

Bowling

35

Wild swing, zero control.

Fielding

40

Good reflexes, lazy feet.

Leadership

20

Nobody takes you seriously.

Media Influence

5

Who are you again?

Charm

30

Gully Casanova at best.

Investment Acumen

6

Thinks opening a paan shop counts as business.

"Hold up — I was way better than this!" Arjun protested.

"In your last life, sure. Now? You're just a cute orphan with dreams bigger than your biceps." Sania giggled. "But don't worry. I'm into fixer-uppers."

Arjun sighed. Fine. Clean slate. But this time, he wasn't alone.

[First Quest: Earn Your Place]

Objective: Join State U-19 Team as an All-Rounder

Rewards:

+2 to all Attributes₹10,000 Seed Investment FundUnlock First Skill Choice (Batting or Bowling)

Bonus: Sania's Naughty Live Commentary During Matches

Deadline: 1 Year

Arjun cracked his knuckles. In his last life, state selectors didn't even bother watching his trial. This time?

They'd remember his name — and his face plastered across every billboard in town.

"Let's roll." Arjun grinned.

Sania's voice purred in his ear.

"Hmm, confidence looks sexy on you. Let's build your cricket empire — and if you perform well enough, maybe I'll show you my 'exclusive bonus features'."

Arjun's smirk turned wicked.

"Deal."