First Steps into the Market

Mumbai, June 9, 1980 – Morning

The morning sun filtered through the open windows of the Mehta household, casting golden rays onto the tiled floor. The scent of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air as Madhavi Mehta moved about the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

Arjun sat at the dining table, flipping through the stock market section of the newspaper. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was still a developing market, nowhere near the chaotic electronic trading of the 21st century that he was used to.

"Everything here is done manually, through brokers. No online apps, no instant transactions. If I want to buy stocks, I need connections."

His fingers traced the printed numbers on the paper, recognizing companies that were nothing more than small names now—but in the future, they would be giants.

Reliance Industries. Infosys. Tata Steel.

These companies would shape India's economic future.

He had already convinced Vinod Chacha to invest ₹10,000—a substantial amount for a middle-class businessman. Now came the real challenge.

Finding the right broker.

The Market Maze – 11:00 AM

The Bombay Stock Exchange wasn't a towering glass structure like it would become decades later. Instead, it was housed in an old colonial-style building with tall pillars and an air of old-money prestige.

Inside, the atmosphere was chaotic—traders shouting orders, brokers scribbling on slips of paper, clerks running between offices.

Arjun had seen this in documentaries, but experiencing it firsthand was different. It was a world of its own, a battleground where fortunes were made and lost within minutes.

His uncle, Vinod Chacha, walked beside him, adjusting the sleeves of his crisp white shirt. His face was a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

"You're sure about this?" Vinod asked.

Arjun smiled. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have dragged you here."

Vinod shook his head. "I've been to this place a few times before, but only to meet clients. Investing in stocks is another game altogether."

They made their way toward a brokerage office, a small, dimly lit room where a man in his late forties sat behind a wooden desk. His nameplate read "Ramesh Shah – Stock Broker."

He looked up from his papers, adjusting his glasses. "Ah, Vinodji! What brings you here?"

Vinod offered a polite smile. "This is my nephew, Arjun. He has some interesting ideas about investments."

Ramesh studied Arjun for a moment. "A college boy interested in stocks? That's rare."

Arjun met his gaze with confidence. "It's not just about interest. I believe I can make smart investments."

Ramesh chuckled, leaning back. "Everyone thinks that when they start. Then they realize the market has a mind of its own."

Arjun nodded. "That's true, but trends don't lie. The world is changing. If we invest in the right companies now, we'll see returns that others won't even imagine."

Ramesh's interest piqued. "And what companies do you have in mind?"

Arjun took a deep breath. "Reliance Industries. Infosys. Tata Steel. A few others."

Ramesh frowned slightly. "Reliance is still small. Infosys barely exists. You want to put money there instead of in established companies?"

"That's the point," Arjun said smoothly. "By the time they become big, it'll be too late for new investors. The best time to buy is when no one is looking."

Vinod glanced at Ramesh, waiting for his response.

The broker tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking. "You're confident. That's good. But confidence alone won't make you rich."

"I know," Arjun said. "That's why I came to you. We'll start small—₹10,000. If I'm wrong, you'll have every right to tell me I was a fool. But if I'm right…"

Ramesh smirked. "Then I'll have a new favorite client."

He pulled out a few forms. "Alright. Let's get started."

A Silent Observer – Dinesh Mehta's Growing Suspicion

Meanwhile, back at home, Dinesh Mehta sat in the living room, tapping his fingers on the armrest of his wooden chair.

Arjun had left early in the morning with Vinod, saying it was "work-related."

But something about his son's recent behavior didn't sit right with him.

For the past few weeks, Arjun had changed.

He was suddenly more focused, more knowledgeable, speaking about money and investments like a man twice his age.

Where was this coming from?

Dinesh had always taught his children the value of hard work, stability, and cautious planning. But now, Arjun was talking about risks, investments, and future opportunities.

He set down his newspaper, deep in thought.

"I need to talk to him."

Evening – A Father's Questions

When Arjun returned home, the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink. The air smelled of freshly cooked dal and warm chapatis.

He barely had time to sit down when his father spoke.

"Arjun, come here for a minute."

There was no hostility in Dinesh's voice, but there was something firm and unshakable about it.

Arjun took a seat across from his father, who studied him carefully before speaking.

"You went out with Vinod today."

Arjun nodded. "Yes."

Dinesh exhaled slowly. "Tell me something, Arjun. Why are you suddenly so interested in money?"

Arjun chose his words carefully. "Because I don't want to struggle forever, Baba. We work hard, but hard work alone doesn't guarantee success. I want to make smart choices for the future."

His father leaned forward. "And you think investing in stocks is the answer?"

"Not just any stocks. The right ones."

Dinesh shook his head. "You sound like a businessman already."

Arjun smiled slightly. "Maybe I'm just thinking ahead."

His father sighed, rubbing his temples. "Look, beta… I understand your ambition. But the world doesn't work the way you think it does. Money isn't made overnight. Even the biggest businessmen started small and took decades to build what they have."

Arjun met his father's eyes. "I know. That's why I'm starting now."

A long silence filled the room.

Dinesh finally spoke, his voice softer. "Just promise me one thing—don't gamble with your future. Be careful."

Arjun nodded. "I promise."

But in his mind, he knew—this wasn't gambling. This was certainty.