Chapter 1: Echoes of Destiny

Chapter 1: Echoes of Destiny

*** India, Mumbai city , 14 February, 2024 ***

The streets of Mumbai buzzed with traffic, but a guy of 28 years old navigated through it , lost in his internal thoughts. The noise of vendors and passing through cars permeated in the air but his mind is occupied by the last advise given by his friend.

'Life doesn't wait, Arjun. If you don't act, you'll miss your moment.' Those words played like a reel as he passed through the crowd, ignoring their presence.

His thoughts raced, replaying his life before this moment

Orphaned at an early age, he was adopted by his late mother's friend, who was a Muay Thai master. From a young age, he was trained in martial arts and forced to live a disciplined life.

Just like others, he too had dreams, but they were not to become rich or too famous, but to be acknowledged by his adopted father. Despite being treated as a strict disciple, he was never given the love of a parent. He hoped that by becoming perfect, his master might acknowledge him as his son.

Finally being graduated as mechanical engineer he hoped to make his master proud . but upon returning home he discovered that his master died in truck accident leaving him with only house and dojo as legacy.

The revelation caught him off-guard and directionless. That day he decided to change his life and live his fullest, but life turned out to be more cruel than the glimpse he already had.

Forced to find work, he started tutoring to make ends meet. What began as a temporary solution became a full-time career. Soon he settled as an educator at Elacademy, teaching civil service aspirants.

"Life is not meant to be lived alone," his friend had said. "If you want something, you need to act now. You never know how this might be the echo of destiny that can link you to your true happiness."

Inspired by this counsel, Arjun decided it was time to confront Riya. With Valentine's Day approaching, he knew it was now or never. His usual confidence and drive pushed him to take this leap, convinced that pursuing this opportunity could change his life in ways he had only dreamed of.

'Pzzz!'

His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back to reality. Without looking, he knew it was his friend again, his fifth reminder to be confident and seize the moment.

He read, "Bro, stop overthinking. Just do it."

Valentine's Day had arrived.. a day that would normally pass without meaning for Arjun. But this year would be different.

He approached the entrance of the academy, his heart pounding. The sounds of the city faded as he stood at the threshold, his hand on the door.

"All is well, Arjun," he whispered to himself. "You can do this." With that, he stepped inside.

Arjun's heart pounded as he walked through the academy's corridors, rehearsing his plan. He had arrived early, wanting to ensure the timing was just right. Today, he would finally ask Riya out and propose her.