The next week at college started with a whirlwind of activity. The fest was just around the corner, and students were busy running around with preparations.
Aarav stood leaning against the wall of his classroom, phone in hand — the Groww app open on the screen.
Yes, a phone.
It was the Redmi Note 7 Pro — a solid mid-range device for its time.
He had bought it after selling some old items and pooling together a bit of savings.
After time-traveling and waking up in his old village room, the first thing he did was dig through the cupboard.
His mother had carefully preserved many things — old books, antique coins, and a few valuable vintage items.
He listed them all on OLX and Quikr with the help of a tech-savvy friend from the village — Shubham.
With Shubham's help, Aarav managed to sell enough to gather around ₹9,000.
₹7,500 went into buying the phone. The rest, ₹1,500, was kept aside for a data plan and daily expenses.
And the very first thing he did after getting his phone?
He opened a stock trading account.
He signed up on the Groww app and slowly started learning the basics of investing.
"If I start investing smartly, maybe I can change the future," he had thought.
---
"Reliance will dip in 2020... and boom in 2021. If I invest a little now, this could turn into something big."
He was deep in thought, staring at his screen.
Just then, a familiar voice broke his focus —
"Are you investing in stocks, or sinking into someone's life?"
He turned to see Priya standing there.
"You always show up at the perfect moment... like the narrator of my life," Aarav said with a smile.
She grinned back.
"Maybe I am... but only if you promise not to be boring."
"Hey! I'm trying hard to be interesting these days!"
She came and stood beside him,
"Come on, let's head to the canteen. My treat today!"
"Treat? What's the occasion?"
"I passed that surprise Maths test yesterday! Believe me, that felt like winning a war!"
Aarav laughed and walked along with her.
---
Canteen — two cups of chai and a samosa.
"So tell me, Aarav Babu," Priya said, sipping her chai,
"Why are you always so serious?"
"I'm not serious... just a little more aware," he replied.
"Oh yeah? And where did this awareness come from?"
He stayed quiet for a moment, then said,
"When you lose everything, what you're left with... is just lessons."
Priya paused, letting his words sink in.
"Sometimes your words feel too heavy... but they hit the heart."
Just then, Sakshi walked into the canteen.
She came right up to their table — a bit hesitant.
"Hi Aarav... mind if I sit?"
Aarav glanced at Priya for a second, then nodded,
"Sure... but we were just about to leave."
Sakshi sat down, visibly uncomfortable.
Silence.
"You've changed a lot, Aarav," she said softly.
"Change was necessary," he replied — short and sharp.
"I wronged you... I accept that," her voice laced with guilt.
Aarav nodded.
"It's good you accepted it. Accepting the past is also a form of maturity."
Priya gave him a little nudge,
"Let's go, Aarav. We're getting late."
Aarav stood up.
"Sakshi... take care. I'm not the same Aarav anymore."
---
College ground — evening
Aarav and Priya sat on a bench.
She was sketching something in her notebook.
"What are you drawing?" Aarav asked.
"Nothing much... just your face. But like a superhero version."
"You mean like Iron Man?"
"Nope... more like a philosopher type. No cape, just a bunch of books!"
They both burst out laughing.
"By the way, Priya..." Aarav paused, then continued,
"I enjoy spending time with you. You remind me of the version of myself that still exists — somewhere deep inside."
She looked into his eyes.
"I don't want that version to disappear. Grow, evolve, change... but don't lose your softness."
Aarav felt those words hit home.
---
Later that night — Aarav's room
The Groww app was open again on his phone.
He had just invested ₹500 — his first real step toward the future.
A small start, but with a big vision.
"The first brick is laid... now let's see how the building takes shape."
He opened Google Keep and created a new note:
"Future Plan 2020–2021"
Take care of Mom's health
Stock up on essentials before future shortages
Stay emotionally stable
Never lose Priya
Use the past as a guide, not a destination
---
Next day — in class
"Art & Culture Fest is coming up! We need volunteers!" the teacher announced.
Priya raised her hand instantly.
Without thinking much...
Aarav raised his too.
He looked at her and smiled,
"Guess I won't be boring anymore."
Priya grinned back —
"Challenge accepted."