Chapter 7: “Preparing for Dreams and Testing Relationships”
The evening of the fest had turned the whole college into a celebration.
Appreciation for the poster, smiles from teachers, and applause from students made Aarav and Priya's work feel truly complete.
As they stepped down from the stage, Priya had said softly,
"Don't break my trust, Aarav."
And Aarav had replied with a rare seriousness,
"This time… I won't even betray myself."
It was a promise — to time, to life, and to his own soul.
---
On the way home – Alone with his thoughts
Riding his bike through the breezy streets, Aarav kept repeating those words in his mind.
"Trust… such a fragile thing, yet so powerful."
In his past life, he had gotten tangled in relationships —
He ignored the truth, overlooked his mother's condition, and…
Built something with a girl like Prachi that ended up becoming nothing but pain.
But now —
He was taking each step with clarity.
He knew he didn't own a laptop yet.
That limited his ability to do deep technical analysis on the Groww App.
But he also knew — the day he bought that laptop, his real preparation would begin.
---
Next Morning – College Library
Priya seemed quieter than usual today.
"What happened?" Aarav asked gently.
"Nothing… just some old memories," she replied.
Aarav understood —
Everyone has pages from their past that flip open on their own… without warning.
"Come on," he said with a playful grin, "let's do some article research. Fest is done, now the next target?"
Priya raised an eyebrow, "Target?"
"Yeah — Personal Growth Fest!"
There was a spark in Aarav's eyes.
"Oh wow… someone's turning into a motivational speaker," Priya chuckled.
"No… I've just realized — if you invest in yourself, the returns last a lifetime."
---
Classroom – Business Studies
Their professor announced a new assignment —
"Start-up Idea Submission"
Each student had to present a basic business plan.
Aarav's eyes lit up —
This was it — the moment to lay the foundation of his future dream.
"I want to create a model that makes purifier systems affordable… especially for rural areas,"
He thought to himself, and memories of Cleanit Purifier flashed in his mind.
Priya, sitting nearby, noticed he was lost in a different world.
"You should definitely top this assignment," Priya whispered.
"This time… I don't care about marks. I care about impact," Aarav replied, eyes steady with purpose.
---
Home – Late Evening
His mother was spreading ghee on his roti when she asked —
"Beta, you've been quiet today… is everything okay?"
Aarav nodded, but his eyes still carried something unsaid.
"Maa… if I wanted to buy a laptop… for study and work… would that be okay?"
His mother smiled warmly —
"Should I sell my bangles then, just say the word?"
Aarav laughed — "No Maa… I'll wait. Just pray for me."
She placed her hand on his head.
"My prayers are always with you. Just never think of yourself as weak."
---
Next Day – College Canteen
Aarav and Priya were working on some notes together —
Priya noticed he was scribbling investment terms on extra pages.
"Mutual Funds, SIPs, Technical Indicators?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"I'm learning… there are no shortcuts in life. The more you understand, the further you go."
"And what about feelings?" Priya asked playfully.
"Feelings are investments too… but only in the right person,"
Aarav replied with a quiet smile.
Priya didn't say anything for a while — then softly said,
"Your words… they've become so deep lately. But I can tell, your heart is genuine."
---
Library – A Sudden Question
Out of nowhere, Priya asked,
"If you had a chance to go back and save someone from the past… who would you choose?"
Aarav paused.
His mother…
Her illnesses…
The financial struggles…
Those silent nights when she cried alone…
His eyes welled up, but he didn't answer directly.
He just whispered,
"Someone who truly deserves… one more chance."
Priya looked at him closely —
She could sense that this boy carried a deep, untold story within him…
But she wouldn't push him.
Because she knew —
True bonds aren't forced — they're built on trust.
---
Night – Aarav's New Notebook Entry
"Future Strategy – Part 3"
Turn start-up idea into something practical
Avoid emotional distractions
Explore EMI plans for a laptop
Start SIPs for mom's medicine and savings
And… give time and respect to the bond with Priya