A World Yet to Change

Mumbai, June 7, 1980 – 10:30 AM

The sun hung high in the sky, casting sharp shadows along the uneven pavement as Arjun walked toward the college library. The scent of fresh ink and old paper filled the air inside, a stark contrast to the bustling city life just beyond its doors.

This was where his real work would begin.

He took a deep breath and adjusted the strap of his cloth bag before stepping inside.

Rows of wooden bookshelves stretched before him, lined with books that felt like relics from another time. Finance, economics, business strategy—limited, outdated, but still valuable.

"I have knowledge 45 years ahead of everyone here."

And yet, without access to proper resources, that knowledge was like having a map but no compass.

He needed data—market patterns, company records, early stock investments. What companies were undervalued? Which businesses were on the verge of booming?

As he ran his fingers along the spines of the books, he pulled out one that caught his eye:

"The Indian Economy: Past, Present & Future – By Dr. Ramesh Desai"

It wasn't a groundbreaking book, but it was one of the few available that touched on financial trends in India.

Taking a seat at one of the wooden tables, he flipped it open, the yellowed pages crinkling under his fingertips.

"The Bombay Stock Exchange has seen steady growth over the last decade, fueled by increased industrialization and foreign investments…"

Arjun smirked. Steady growth? In a few years, the market would explode with opportunity.

If he played his cards right, he wouldn't just ride the wave—he'd be the one creating it.

11:15 AM – An Unexpected Visitor

A shadow fell across his book.

"Since when are you so interested in economics?"

Arjun looked up to find Nisha, standing with her arms crossed.

Dressed in a simple blue salwar kameez, she had a curious glint in her eyes. She wasn't one to ignore change, and Arjun's sudden interest in finance had clearly caught her attention.

He closed the book slowly. "Since I realized the world runs on it."

She raised an eyebrow. "That's a very big realization for someone who used to sleep through economics class."

Arjun chuckled. "Maybe I decided to wake up."

Nisha pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down. "You've changed."

Her tone wasn't accusing—just observant.

He leaned back. "People change, Nisha. Maybe you just never noticed before."

She studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "No, this is different. You were always smart, but now you seem… focused."

Arjun smiled. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No," she admitted. "Just unusual."

She glanced at the book he was reading. "Are you planning to become a businessman or something?"

"Maybe."

She scoffed. "Right. And next, you'll tell me you're going to predict the future."

Arjun chuckled but said nothing.

"If only you knew."

She tapped her fingers on the table, as if considering something. "You know, my cousin Vikram is into this kind of stuff. Maybe you should talk to him."

"I've heard," Arjun said casually. "He's doing well, isn't he?"

"For now," she said. "But I don't know if he's being careful. Some of these investments sound shady."

Arjun nodded. That was the difference between him and Vikram.

Vikram was making quick money, relying on insider tips. But Arjun knew exactly which companies would last, which industries would boom, and which stocks would skyrocket over time.

This wasn't gambling. It was certainty.

"I'll keep that in mind," he said.

She stood up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just don't do anything stupid, Arjun. I'd hate to see you get into trouble."

Arjun looked up at her, a small smile on his lips.

"Thanks for the concern, Nisha."

She rolled her eyes but smiled back before walking away.

As she disappeared down the library aisle, Arjun sighed.

She was right about one thing.

He had changed.

And soon, the world around him would change too.

2:30 PM – Vinod Chacha's Decision

Arjun sat on the balcony of his uncle's home, watching the city hum with life below.

His Vinod Chacha paced the room behind him, deep in thought.

"You're asking me to take a big risk, Arjun," his uncle said finally.

Arjun turned. "I'm asking you to take a calculated risk, Chacha. You've always been good with money. This is just another smart decision."

His uncle sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"I looked into what you said. Some of those companies you mentioned—Infosys, Reliance—they are growing. But how can you be so sure?"

Arjun smiled.

"Because I know they'll dominate India's economy in the future."

But, of course, he couldn't say that.

"Because the signs are all there," he said instead. "Technology is evolving. Businesses are expanding. India is opening up its markets. This is the right time to invest, before everyone else realizes it."

His uncle sat down heavily on a chair, thinking.

"Fine," he said at last. "I'll start small. If this works, we'll go bigger."

Arjun felt a rush of satisfaction.

This was it. The first real step.

He nodded. "That's all I ask."

His uncle exhaled. "Alright. Let's see if your confidence pays off."

Arjun smiled to himself.

"It will."